Creamy Mushroom Risotto: The Easiest & Best Italian Rice Recipe

Creamy mushroom risotto. Just the words conjure up warmth, comfort, and a taste of Italy. Perhaps it’s the memory of my grandmother stirring the Arborio rice, the aroma of sautéed mushrooms filling the kitchen, or the satisfying creamy texture coating every grain. Whatever the reason, creamy mushroom risotto holds a special place in my heart. Today, I’m sharing my version of this timeless classic, a dish that’s surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to impress. This creamy mushroom risotto will quickly become a family favorite!

Why You Will Love This creamy mushroom risotto Recipe

This creamy mushroom risotto is pure comfort food in a bowl and a perfect example of the cozy, flavorful recipes you’ll find on Recipes Charming It’s the ideal dish for a chilly evening, a cozy weekend meal, or a special occasion. The rich, earthy flavors of the mushrooms combined with the creamy, cheesy rice are simply irresistible. Plus, it’s relatively quick and easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Forget slaving away in the kitchen for hours. This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, so you can have a delicious creamy mushroom risotto on the table in under an hour. And trust me, the flavor is anything but simple! The key is to use good quality ingredients and to take your time, stirring the rice patiently as it absorbs the broth. What makes this risotto extra special? The secret is in the finishing touch. A generous knob of butter and a handful of grated Parmesan cheese stirred in at the very end create a luscious, creamy texture that will have you coming back for more. The perfect weeknight comfort food for the whole family.

Ingredients Needed for This creamy mushroom risotto Recipe

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 8 ounces mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster), sliced
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• ½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
• 4 cups hot vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 clove garlic, minced

How to Make This creamy mushroom risotto Recipe

1. 1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

1. 2. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they soften and release their liquid, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

1. 3. Stir in the Arborio rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until the rice is lightly toasted.

1. 4. Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring constantly, until the wine is absorbed, about 2 minutes.

1. 5. Begin adding the hot broth, one cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding the next cup. This process should take about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep the heat at medium. Don’t rush it!

1. 6. Continue stirring until the rice is creamy and al dente (slightly firm to the bite).

1. 7. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, butter, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

1. 8. Let the risotto sit for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.

1. 9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley.

How to Serve This creamy mushroom risotto Recipe

This creamy mushroom risotto is delicious on its own as a main course. You can also serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables. For a more elegant presentation, serve the risotto in individual bowls topped with shaved Parmesan cheese and a sprig of parsley.

Consider pairing your creamy mushroom risotto with a crisp green salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. A simple vinaigrette dressing complements the earthy flavors of the mushrooms perfectly. Some grilled asparagus or sauteed spinach are great additions too.

Don’t forget the wine! A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with creamy mushroom risotto. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the risotto and enhances the flavors of the mushrooms.

How to Store This creamy mushroom risotto Recipe

Leftover creamy mushroom risotto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Risotto tends to lose its creaminess upon reheating, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing risotto is not recommended, as it can change the texture of the rice and make it mushy. However, if you must freeze it, allow the risotto to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight freezer safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat refrigerated risotto, add a splash of broth or water to the pot or microwave to help rehydrate the rice. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. You may need to add a little extra Parmesan cheese and butter to restore the creamy texture.

Tips to Make This creamy mushroom risotto Recipe

• Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of creamy mushroom risotto depends heavily on the quality of the ingredients you use. Choose fresh, flavorful mushrooms and good quality Parmesan cheese.
• Use hot broth: Keeping the broth hot helps the rice cook evenly and prevents it from becoming gummy.
• Stir constantly: Stirring the rice constantly releases the starch and creates the creamy texture that is characteristic of risotto.
• Don’t overcook the rice: The rice should be al dente, slightly firm to the bite.
• Add the cheese and butter at the end: Adding the cheese and butter at the end creates a luscious, creamy texture.

Helpful Notes for This creamy mushroom risotto Recipe

Arborio rice is a short grain Italian rice that is specifically cultivated for making risotto. Other types of rice will not produce the same creamy texture. You can usually find Arborio rice in the rice aisle of most grocery stores.

You can use any type of mushrooms you like in this recipe. Cremini, shiitake, oyster, and portobello mushrooms are all good choices. Feel free to mix and match your favorite types of mushrooms.

Vegetable broth or chicken broth can both be used in this recipe. Vegetable broth will keep the dish vegetarian. Make sure the broth is hot when you add it to the rice.

This risotto is wonderful on its own, but you can easily customize it with additional ingredients. Consider adding some sauteed shrimp, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables to make it a heartier meal.

Variation of This creamy mushroom risotto Recipe

For a seasonal twist, try adding some roasted butternut squash or pumpkin during the fall months. The sweetness of the squash complements the earthy flavors of the mushrooms beautifully.

If you’re a truffle lover, add a drizzle of truffle oil or some shaved black truffles to the risotto at the end for an extra decadent touch.

For a vegetarian version, make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some sauteed spinach or kale to the risotto for extra nutrients.

For a simplified version, pre-cooked rice can be added when the wine is absorbed, adjusting broth addition accordingly. A fantastic quicker version.

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Conclusion

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There, you’ll find even more comforting dinners, easy weeknight meals, and classic recipes made simple. Follow along for daily inspiration, cooking tips, and delicious ideas to bring warmth and flavor to your kitchen. Let’s keep cooking together!