Smoky Mushroom Risotto with Thyme

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

Creamy Arborio rice simmered with wild mushrooms and fresh thyme, finished with a hint of white wine and parmesan. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs ½ cups Arborio rice, ½ cup white wine, mixed mushrooms 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 small diced shallot and sauté for 2 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 8 oz chopped mixed mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until they release their liquid and turn golden.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 ½ cups Arborio rice to the pan, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until each grain is coated and slightly translucent.
  4. Step 4: Pour in ½ cup white wine and simmer for 3 minutes until almost evaporated, stirring frequently.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 cups vegetable broth, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  6. Step 6: Cook uncovered, stirring every 2 minutes, for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender but still slightly firm (al dente) and broth is absorbed.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves and ⅓ cup grated Parmesan, mixing until cheese melts and sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Mushroom Risotto with Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Smoky Mushroom Risotto with Thyme?

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 ½ cups arborio rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Mushroom Risotto with Thyme?

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 Smoky Mushroom Risotto with Thyme 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 Smoky Mushroom Risotto with Thyme 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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