15 Easy Risotto Recipes That Are Ultra Creamy and Comforting
It all starts with a few pantry ingredients.
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Risotto is one of those classic Italian dinners that feels sort of fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. Sure, some risottos take time and patience (and a little bit of stirring), but the process of making risotto from scratch is so rewarding! After all, you'll end up with a creamy, dreamy weeknight meal that Ree Drummond describes as "just glorious!" Here, we've rounded up different variations on risotto recipes. Some are traditional, like the mushroom risotto and risotto primavera, while others get creative with risotto, like the cauliflower risotto (made with cauliflower "rice") or red curry risotto that's topped with shrimp. We’ve even provided a recipe for crispy risotto balls, known as arancini.
By now, you already know that risotto is a creamy Italian rice-based dish that's often considered a labor of love. It's made with short grain arborio rice that’s cooked very slowly with small amounts of warm broth added over time to achieve a thick and creamy texture. Butter and cheese add extra creaminess—and mix-ins, like butternut squash, asparagus, or pesto, are great for giving it a pop of color and flavor. Risotto is a delicious side dish for steak, but it can also be a main course if you add chicken or fish. All in all, risotto is definitely worth a try, but if you don't have as much time on your hands, you can always choose the Instant Pot risotto recipe on the list ahead.
Pumpkin Risotto
A can of pumpkin puree brings so much autumnal flavor to this cozy bowl of risotto. Topping it with bacon, parmesan, crispy sage, and roasted pumpkin seeds is just another way to impress your dinner guests.
Get the Pumpkin Risotto recipe.
Butternut Squash Risotto
Tender butternut squash cooked with butter and a hint of chili powder is a fun addition to his creamy risotto. Ree says you can eat it on it's own or serve it up with roasted chicken or even your Thanksgiving turkey.
Get Ree's Butternut Squash Risotto recipe.
Arancini (Fried Risotto Balls)
You'll find these crispy, fried risotto balls sold all over Italy. It's a great way to use up leftover risotto or you can make the risotto a day in advance. Then, the cheesy rice balls are breaded and deep fried (or made in an air fryer).
Get the Arancini recipe.
Risotto Primavera
This risotto is loaded with veggies and tangy goat cheese. Ree uses carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and yellow squash. But you can also swap in red bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus.
Get Ree's Risotto Primavera recipe.
Lemon Basil Shrimp Risotto
There are few simple ways to take your risotto to the next level. Ree likes uses white wine, garlic, onion, and lemon zest to add a burst of flavor. It also pairs so well with the shrimp and fresh basil.
Get Ree's Lemon Basil Shrimp Risotto recipe.
Mushroom Risotto
This risotto takes less than an hour to make! It proves that you can have a creamy, savory, mushroom-y risotto on the table in no time.
Pesto Risotto
We love pesto! The bright flavor and color makes it a perfect addition to a springtime risotto. You can use jarred pesto to keep things easy, then give the rice dish heft by adding shredded rotisserie chicken.
Red Curry Risotto with Shrimp
This might not be your typical Italian risotto, but it sure is fun! The red curry paste, ginger, and coconut milk bring a whole near flavor to the creamy dish.
Get the Red Curry Risotto with Shrimp recipe at The Modern Proper.
Low Carb Cauliflower Risotto
This healthier twist on risotto swaps the rice for a low carb alternative instead: cauliflower rice! You can make your own by grating the cauliflower or look for it already grated in the grocery store.
Get the Low Carb Cauliflower Risotto recipe at Jessica Gavin.
Instant Pot Risotto Carbonara
If you're short on time, making risotto in an Instant Pot is a great option. It comes together quickly and gets nice and creamy without having to stir as much.
Creamy Chicken Risotto
Crispy, pan-fried chicken is cooked in the same dutch oven that you'll use for the risotto. It's one-pot wonder that will make dinnertime (and cleanup) easy!
Get the Creamy Chicken Risotto recipe at Platings and Pairings.
Asparagus Risotto with Leeks and Peas
Bright, citrusy lemon makes this comforting dish feel like a breath of fresh air! It's perfect for a springtime meal thanks to the fresh asparagus and peas.
Get the Asparagus Risotto with Leeks and Peas recipe at Foodie Crush.
Italian Wedding Risotto
This twist on Italian Wedding Soup is loaded with mini meatballs, veggies, and cheese. It's hearty enough for any weeknight dinner.
Get the Italian Wedding Risotto recipe at The View From Great Island.
Baked Cajun Salmon with Parmesan Risotto
While the flaky salmon bakes in the oven, you can make the risotto right on the stovetop. It all comes together in just 40 minutes for a satisfying meal!
Get the Baked Cajun Salmon with Parmesan Risotto recipe at Butter Be Ready.
Farro Risotto
Farro is a hearty whole grain that's loaded with nutrients and nutty flavor. You can use it to make risotto that's loaded with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh parmesan, and herbs.
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