Half-portion Creamy Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting half-size serving of creamy risotto with sautéed mushrooms and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a light meal. This italian-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs arborio rice, kept warm vegetable broth, ounces, sliced cremini mushrooms for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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: 25 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped shallot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3/4 cup arborio rice and cook for 1 minute to toast the grains, then pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine. Stir until the wine is mostly absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 cups warm vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each ladle to absorb before adding the next, for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-portion Creamy Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Half-portion Creamy Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan?

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 Half-portion Creamy Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan?

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 Half-portion Creamy Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Half-portion Creamy Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan 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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