Italian Fourth-Course Risotto with Saffron and Parmesan
A luxurious saffron-infused risotto rich with Parmesan cheese, offering a creamy texture and delicate flavors for an elegant fourth course. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs arborio rice, kept warm chicken broth, dry white wine 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.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
- 5 cups, kept warm chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 small, finely chopped shallot
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 3/4 cup, freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional) fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, soak 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads in 1/4 cup warm chicken broth for 10 minutes to release color and flavor.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped shallot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 1/2 cups arborio rice to the pan, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until the edges of the rice become translucent.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and cook, stirring, until the wine is mostly absorbed.
- Step 5: Add the saffron-infused broth along with the soaking liquid, stirring continuously. Then gradually add the remaining warm chicken broth, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until each addition is absorbed before adding more. Continue this process for 18-20 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 7: Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Fourth-Course Risotto with Saffron and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 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 Italian Fourth-Course Risotto with Saffron and 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 Italian Fourth-Course Risotto with Saffron and 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 Italian Fourth-Course Risotto with Saffron and Parmesan 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 Italian Fourth-Course Risotto with Saffron and Parmesan?
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.
