Creamy Mascarpone and Mushroom Risotto

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

A rich and comforting risotto made creamy with mascarpone cheese and earthy mushrooms, perfect for an elegant Italian dinner. This italian-inspired rice & grains ready in about 40 minutes pairs arborio rice, kept warm chicken broth, olive oil 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 small finely diced white onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until they release moisture and begin to brown.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice edges become translucent.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and stir continuously until the wine is mostly absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Add 5 cups warm chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring often and waiting until each ladle is mostly absorbed before adding the next, for about 18-20 minutes until rice is creamy and tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until silky and well combined. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Mascarpone and 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 Creamy Mascarpone and 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 Creamy Mascarpone and 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 Creamy Mascarpone and 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.

What goes well with Creamy Mascarpone and Mushroom Risotto?

Italian rice & grains 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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