Classic Italian Parmesan Risotto

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy Arborio rice dish infused with Parmesan, white wine, and saffron for a rich, authentic Italian flavor. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs Arborio rice, Chicken broth, White wine for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 3.7 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 3 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  3. Step 3: Stir in saffron and 1/2 cup broth; cook 2 minutes. Gradually add remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently until rice is creamy and tender (20-25 minutes).
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Italian Parmesan Risotto take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Parmesan 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 Parmesan 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 Parmesan 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.

What goes well with Classic Italian Parmesan Risotto?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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