Italian Herb Risotto with Parmesan and Peas

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-26 · Updated 2026-04-26

A creamy arborio rice risotto infused with fresh Italian herbs, sweet peas, and finished with rich Parmesan cheese. This italian-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs arborio rice, olive oil, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving

Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

1 cup arborio rice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup) yellow onion
2, minced garlic cloves
1/2 cup dry white wine
4 cups, kept warm vegetable broth
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp unsalted butter
to taste salt
to taste black pepper

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion (about 1/2 cup) and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in 1 cup arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly so the rice becomes lightly toasted and translucent at the edges.
Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and stir until fully absorbed by the rice.
Step 4: Begin adding 4 cups warm vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until each ladle of broth is mostly absorbed before adding the next, continuing this process for about 18 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente.
Step 5: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in 1/2 cup frozen peas, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Herb Risotto with Parmesan and Peas 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 Italian Herb Risotto with Parmesan and Peas?

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 Herb Risotto with Parmesan and Peas?

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 Herb Risotto with Parmesan and Peas 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 Italian Herb Risotto with Parmesan and Peas 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.