Modern Simple Walnut and Mushroom Risotto

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy risotto featuring chopped walnuts and earthy mushrooms for a rich texture and depth, inspired by the compact design and functionality of modern desks. This italian-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs arborio rice, warm chicken broth, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped white onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until tender and browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup arborio rice, coating the grains with oil and cooking for 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and stir until fully absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Begin adding 4 cups warm chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing liquid to absorb before adding the next ladle. Continue for about 18 minutes until rice is creamy and al dente.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/3 cup toasted chopped walnuts, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Modern Simple Walnut 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 Modern Simple Walnut 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 Modern Simple Walnut 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 Modern Simple Walnut 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.

Is Modern Simple Walnut and Mushroom Risotto 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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