Elevate any meal with this creamy, savory, vegetarian side that’s surprisingly quick and easy to make!
I eat a lot of rice. It’s been my go-to starch since a childhood friend’s mother made it for us as an afterschool snack. I love rice plain with butter and salt, stir-fried with soy sauce and veggies, and added to soups or stews for heft. But sometimes I crave a side dish that’s slightly more elevated—but still comforting and easy to make.
Enter this Parmesan risotto recipe! It takes the entire concept of a starchy side to an entirely new level. The slow addition of broth and wine creates an insanely creamy texture. And the onion and Parmesan cheese team up to deliver a rich flavor profile that’s mild enough to complement nearly any main dish. I was a bit skeptical about standing at the stove and babysitting the pan for so long, but it turned out to be quite easy! I even find it meditative to watch the rice soften while inhaling delightful aromas as the dish develops.
Plus, risotto always impresses dinner guests. I’ve made this recipe as written, as well as with additions like mushrooms, asparagus, and even shrimp. It’s a great dish to have in your arsenal for quick weeknight dinners and sophisticated special occasion meals alike. Even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds!
What is risotto?
Parmesan risotto is a beloved Italian dish with roots in northern Italy, where rice has been cultivated since the Middle Ages. The first known recipe for risotto alla Milanese appeared in 19th-century Milan. Since then, risotto has become a staple of Italian cuisine. Traditionally served as a primo—aka “first course”—risotto is now often enjoyed as a main dish, and you’ll find countless variations. At its heart, risotto is simply short-grain rice—most often arborio, carnaroli, or Vialone Nano—slowly cooked in broth until it becomes creamy from the rice’s own starch. In Italy, this is one of the most cherished ways to prepare rice, and finishing with Parmesan cheese is almost always a must. I love enjoying a bowl topped with extra Parm and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a comforting meal any night of the week.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Parmesan risotto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can freeze risotto for up to 2 months, but the texture may change slightly and become less creamy after thawing. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth as needed and stirring frequently to restore creaminess.
Serving suggestions
This Parmesan risotto makes for a nice, meatless meal all by itself. But it also complements a wide variety of dishes. Keep it vegetarian-friendly by pairing it with Creamy Chickpea Curry or Crispy Baked Tofu and these gorgeous Sautéed Vegetables. Omnivores would enjoy it alongside light main dishes, like Baked Lemon Chicken or Air-Fryer Salmon With Skin, for an easy weeknight dinner. For special occasions, this dish also pairs beautifully with a Prawn Cocktail and Grilled London Broil.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 4 cups vegetable broth kept warm
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley minced, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the arborio rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with oil. Cook until the edges of the rice become slightly translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and stir until it's mostly absorbed. Add the warm vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring continuously until each ladleful is absorbed before adding the next. Continue until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and add minced parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment