Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Mushroom Risotto is everything you want in a comforting dish—rich, creamy, and full of depth of flavor. The combination of earthy mushrooms, creamy texture, and a hint of Parmesan makes this risotto an indulgent yet balanced meal. It’s a perfect dish for fall, or anytime you want a comforting, flavorful meal. Plus, with just a few ingredients and some patience, you’ll create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

1 cup Arborio rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix of wild mushrooms)
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (kept warm)
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preparing the Risotto:

Heat the Broth:
- In a saucepan, keep the vegetable or chicken broth warm over low heat. This will help the risotto cook evenly and prevent temperature shocks.
Cook the Mushrooms:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the Arborio Rice:
- Stir the Arborio rice into the skillet with the onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb the flavors.
Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
- If using white wine, pour it into the pan and stir. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until most of the wine evaporates.
Cook the Risotto:
- Begin adding the warm broth, one ladleful at a time, to the rice mixture. Stir frequently and wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the next ladle of broth. Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and cooked to your desired consistency. You may not need to use all the broth.
Add the Cream and Parmesan:
- When the rice is cooked and creamy, stir in the heavy cream, cooked mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Serve:
- Spoon the risotto onto serving plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish or 6 as a side dish.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Add Other Vegetables: Try adding peas, spinach, or roasted squash for extra flavor and color.
Use Different Mushrooms: Experiment with wild mushrooms, like shiitake, oyster, or porcini, to change the flavor profile.
Vegan Version: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan option.
Herbs and Spices: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of nutmeg to the risotto for extra depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover risotto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat risotto gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a little broth or cream to restore the creamy texture, as risotto tends to thicken upon sitting.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular rice instead of Arborio rice?

Arborio rice is essential for creating the creamy texture of risotto. It has a higher starch content than regular rice, which helps the dish come together. If you don’t have Arborio, you can try using Carnaroli rice, or even sushi rice as a substitute.

2. Can I skip the wine in the recipe?

Yes, you can skip the wine. Just use more broth or water to deglaze the pan. The wine adds depth of flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without it.

3. Can I prepare this risotto in advance?

Risotto is best served fresh, but you can prepare it up to a day in advance. When reheating, add a little extra broth or cream to bring the texture back to its creamy state.

4. How do I know when the risotto is done?

The risotto is done when the rice is tender but still has a slight bite to it (al dente), and the texture is creamy but not soupy.

5. Can I make this risotto without cream?

Yes, you can omit the cream for a lighter version. The risotto will still be creamy from the starch in the Arborio rice. You can also add a bit of extra butter or Parmesan to maintain some richness.

6. Can I add meat to the risotto?

Yes, you can add cooked chicken, to the risotto to make it more hearty. Simply stir it in when you add the mushrooms back into the pan.

7. What can I serve with this risotto?

This risotto is a complete dish on its own but can be served with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled protein like chicken or seafood.

8. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses Arborio rice, which doesn’t contain gluten. Just ensure that any broth or stock used is gluten-free as well.

9. Can I freeze risotto?

Risotto can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly when reheated. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat it gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency.

10. How can I make the risotto creamier?

To make your risotto even creamier, stir in a bit more butter or cream at the end of cooking. You can also add a bit of mascarpone cheese for extra richness.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom Risotto is a timeless and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With the earthy flavors of mushrooms, the richness of cream, and the creamy texture of Arborio rice, this dish will satisfy both your appetite and your craving for a comforting, homemade meal. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party, making it a versatile recipe to add to your repertoire!

Creamy Mushroom Risotto