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Parmesan Risotto Recipe

4.6 from 161 reviews

This creamy Parmesan Risotto is a classic Italian dish made with Arborio rice cooked slowly in warm broth and white wine, then enriched with butter and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly tender and flavorful, it’s a comforting side or main course that’s easy to customize with fresh parsley and extra cheese for garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Broth

  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Base

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 cups Arborio rice
  • 1/2 cup white wine (or more broth)

Finishing

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon parsley (optional, for serving)
  • Parmesan, shaved or grated (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Warm the broth: In a saucepan, bring the broth to a simmer over low heat. Keep this saucepan on low heat to maintain a warm broth for cooking the risotto.
  2. Sauté onion and rice: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it softens. Add the Arborio rice and sauté for another minute to lightly toast the grains.
  3. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine and continue to cook while stirring until the wine has mostly evaporated, infusing the rice with flavor.
  4. Add broth gradually: Begin adding the warm broth one half-cup at a time. Stir continuously as the rice absorbs the liquid. Once most of the broth has evaporated, add the next half-cup. Repeat this process for about 20 minutes until the rice is creamy and tender but still has a slight bite.
  5. Finish with butter and cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan shavings before serving for added freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • Use warm broth to ensure even cooking of the rice and prevent temperature shocks.
  • If broth runs low, supplement with water and keep it warm for consistency.
  • Arborio rice is key for the creamy texture characteristic of risotto.
  • Stirring constantly helps release the rice’s starches, creating a creamy sauce.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end to balance flavors.
  • Optional garnishes like parsley and extra Parmesan add color and richness.

Keywords: Parmesan risotto, Italian risotto, creamy risotto, Arborio rice recipe, easy risotto, classic Italian dish