Spiced Chestnut and Mushroom Risotto

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy Arborio rice risotto enriched with earthy mushrooms and sweet roasted chestnuts, accented by warming spices for a festive flair. This italian-inspired christmas (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs Arborio rice, unsalted butter, medium, finely chopped shallots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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.

★ 4.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 finely chopped shallots and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and moisture evaporates. Stir in 1 cup chopped roasted chestnuts and cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes until edges look translucent. Pour in 3/4 cup dry white wine and simmer, stirring, until absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Begin adding 5 cups warm vegetable broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each addition to absorb before adding more. Continue until rice is creamy and tender, about 18-20 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon. Remove from heat and fold in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  6. Step 6: Stir in remaining 1 tbsp butter for richness. Serve immediately for best texture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Chestnut and Mushroom Risotto 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 Spiced Chestnut 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 Spiced Chestnut 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 Spiced Chestnut 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 Spiced Chestnut 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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