Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Name: Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice; 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or shiitake); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup white wine (optional); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Warm & Wholesome

I absolutely adore making this Creamy Mushroom Risotto. The rich flavor of the mushrooms combined with the creamy consistency creates a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting. Each spoonful is filled with savory goodness, making it a favorite in my household. The best part? It’s easier to prepare than many think! With just a few ingredients and some patience while stirring, you can create an amazing meal that is perfect for dinner parties or a cozy night in.

Created by

Eleanor Briggs

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:05:40.213Z

When I first tried making risotto, I was intimidated by the concept of standing over a pot, stirring continuously. But I embraced it, and I found it surprisingly therapeutic! The creamy texture of the Arborio rice transforms into a harmonious blend with sautéed mushrooms and rich broth, creating a dish that is simply divine.

One tip that changed my risotto game was to add a splash of white wine after the rice was toasted. It elevates the flavors significantly and gives the dish a depth that keeps everyone coming back for more. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy texture that envelops each grain of rice
Earthy mushroom flavor that shines through every bite
Easily customizable with your favorite herbs and cheeses

Mastering Risotto Technique

The key to perfect risotto lies in the stirring technique. As you add broth, ensure you stir constantly but gently. This action encourages the release of the rice's natural starches, resulting in the creamy texture that's synonymous with risotto. If you find the rice is too firm towards the end of cooking, you can add a splash more broth or water to help it reach that ideal al dente softness.

Timing is essential. Aim to keep your heat at medium to prevent the broth from evaporating too quickly while still allowing it to bubble gently. If the rice starts to stick to the bottom of the pan, lower the heat slightly and incorporate a bit more broth to deglaze and lift those delicious remnants for added flavor.

Choosing and Preparing Mushrooms

The choice of mushrooms can significantly impact the final flavor of your risotto. Varieties like cremini or shiitake bring a deep, earthy essence that pairs beautifully with the creamy base. If you're feeling adventurous, try mixing different types of mushrooms, such as adding a handful of wild mushrooms for a gourmet touch, which can enhance both texture and taste.

Ensure your mushrooms are well-prepared before adding them to the skillet. Clean them with a damp cloth instead of rinsing them under water to prevent excess moisture. Slice them evenly to ensure they cook uniformly, and cook until they are golden and slightly crisped for a contrast in texture against the soft rice.

Serving and Storing Risotto

Risotto is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to revive its creamy texture. Gently warm it on the stove, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This helps to maintain the desired consistency instead of drying out the rice in the microwave.

For a touch of elegance, consider garnishing your risotto with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of truffle oil, or sautéed greens like spinach or peas. These additions not only enhance the dish visually but also add layers of flavor that elevate a comforting meal into something truly special.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

1 cup Arborio rice
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or shiitake)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Once you have everything ready, it's time to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy risotto:

Prepare the Broth

In a saucepan, heat the broth and keep it warm over low heat.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent, then add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until soft.

Toast the Rice

Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the Wine

If using, pour in the white wine and cook until it's mostly absorbed by the rice.

Cook the Risotto

Begin adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding more. This process should take about 20 minutes.

Finish with Cheese and Butter

Once the rice is creamy and al dente, remove from heat, stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Garnish

Serve immediately with fresh parsley on top.

Enjoy your wonderful risotto!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the cooking process. Also, for a richer taste, you can substitute some of the vegetable broth with a small amount of truffle oil.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a lighter version, consider substituting half of the Arborio rice with quinoa or farro. While these grains will alter the classic texture slightly, they bring a nutty flavor and heartiness that can be quite enjoyable. Just be sure to adjust the cooking liquid accordingly, as these grains absorb moisture at different rates.

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken broth with homemade vegetable broth. You can create a rich vegetable stock by simmering carrots, celery, and herbs in water for about an hour. This base can add depth to your risotto without compromising its creamy characteristic.

Alternative Flavor Enhancements

To play with flavors, consider adding a handful of fresh herbs towards the end of cooking. Ingredients like thyme, sage, or even a bit of tarragon can provide a refreshing contrast to the earthy mushrooms. Always chop the herbs finely since they release more flavor when well broken down.

Additionally, a touch of lemon zest or juice can brighten the dish significantly. Just a teaspoon of zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving lifts the richness of the risotto while maintaining balance with the savory cheese and mushrooms.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular rice instead of Arborio?

Arborio rice is best for risotto due to its high starch content, which creates that creamy texture. Regular rice may not yield the same results.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

→ Can I make this risotto vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegetarian alternative.

→ What's the secret to creamy risotto?

The key is to add the broth gradually and stir constantly, which helps to release the starches from the rice, resulting in a creamy risotto.