Classic Italian Creamy Mushroom Risotto

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A richly textured risotto simmered with earthy mushrooms and finished with Parmesan cheese for a comforting Italian favorite. This italian-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs Arborio rice, kept warm chicken or vegetable broth, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms to the pan. Cook for 6-7 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice, toasting it for 2 minutes until the edges turn translucent but the center remains opaque.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and cook, stirring constantly, until wine is fully absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Add 5 cups warm chicken or vegetable broth one ladle (about 1/2 cup) at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding more. Continue for about 18-20 minutes until rice is creamy and al dente.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Italian Creamy Mushroom Risotto take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Classic Italian Creamy Mushroom Risotto?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep arborio rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Italian Creamy Mushroom Risotto?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic Italian Creamy Mushroom Risotto for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Classic Italian Creamy Mushroom Risotto vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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