• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Bake It With Love

  • Grilling
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Cookbooks
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Grilling
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Cookbooks
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Recipes » Main Dish

Last Updated: Oct 26, 2022 by Angela Latimer · 3 Comments

Parmesan Risotto

Jump to Recipe
Perfectly creamy Parmesan Risotto is not as daunting as reality television makes it look! It's a super treat and easier than you might think!!
Perfectly creamy Parmesan Risotto is not as daunting as reality television makes it look! It's a super treat and easier than you might think!!
Perfectly creamy Parmesan Risotto is not as daunting as reality television makes it look! It's a super treat and easier than you might think!!

This Parmesan risotto is super rich, creamy, and a fantastic base for making a variety of wonderful risotto dishes! It tastes sophisticated and gourmet, but is easy to make! In fact, it is the perfect side dish for any meal and will easily impress all of your guests!

Best Parmesan Risotto Recipe

There's something spectacular about a well-made risotto. This risotto recipe is the base of so many other variations and a perfect risotto to start out with if you're new to the risotto method!

It is creamy, cheesy, and amazingly delicious. Plus, it is not difficult to make at all!

Square image of a plate of Parmesan risotto.
Perfectly creamy Parmesan Risotto is not as daunting as reality television makes it look! It's a super treat and easier than you might think!!

Risotto is always showcased as being a difficult dish to prepare. However, it really isn't the case! While there is a specific technique involved in making risotto, it is not hard to do!

For more information on how to make some perfect risotto, check out my ultimate guide to cooking risotto!

🥘 Parmesan Risotto Ingredients

This ingredient list is incredibly simple. Make sure you are using the correct kind of rice for risotto, like Arborio.

  • Chicken Broth - 4 cups of chicken broth. Go ahead and heat it to a low simmer in a saucepan.
  • Oil - 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
  • Arborio Rice - 1 cup of Arborio rice.
  • Shallots - ¼ cup of finely minced shallots or white onion.
  • Garlic - 2 teaspoons of finely minced garlic.
  • White Wine - ¼ cup of dry white wine. I used Pinot Grigio.
  • Butter - 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into two 1-tablespoon pats.
  • Parmesan - 2 tablespoons of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Feel free to add more for garnish.
  • Salt & Pepper - To taste.

*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*

🔪 How To Make Parmesan Risotto

This risotto is not difficult to make! All you are going to need is a saucepan, skillet, and a wooden spoon!

This recipe will make 4 servings of risotto. You can either serve it as your main course, as an appetizer, or as a side dish!

  1. Heat broth. Start off by heating your 4 cups of broth to a low simmer in a saucepan.
  2. Cook garlic and shallots. Bring a large skillet or frying pan to medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, then add 2 teaspoons of garlic and ¼ cup of shallots. Cook until softened, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add rice. Add your 1 cup Arborio rice and cook the kernels, stirring occasionally, for about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour in the wine. Add the ¼ cup of dry white wine and cook for one minute, stirring frequently.
  5. Slowly add broth. Add one cup of the broth and stir occasionally while the rice cooks and absorbs the liquid. Ladle in additional amounts initially in approximately ½ cup portions. Allow the rice to absorb the liquid as added.
  6. Continue cooking. When your rice has cooked for about 15 minutes, the rice will slow down on absorbing the liquid when added. Use smaller ¼ cup portions as you near the end of the cooking process.
  7. Check for doneness. You are looking for an al dente texture to your rice, and I start checking for this at the 15 - 16 minute mark. Test an individual rice grain for a soft texture that still retains a semi-firm core to the grain.
  8. Remove from heat. Once your rice has reached an al dente texture, remove the risotto from the heat and add the 2 tablespoons each of butter and Parmigiano Reggiano. Stir to combine and serve on warmed plates with additional freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, if desired.

Risotto is incredibly versatile and can be served as an appetizer, entree, or side dish! Serve your risotto alongside some baked scallops and air fryer asparagus for a complete meal. For more ideas, check out my post on what to serve with risotto! Enjoy!

💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes

  • For best results, have your broth simmering in a saucepan before ladling it into the risotto. This helps it absorb into the rice.
  • It is not necessary to stir your rice constantly. Every 30 seconds or so is better!
  • Make sure to add your broth in small increments, giving the rice time to absorb the liquid in between each addition.

🥡 Storing & Reheating

Store your leftover risotto in a sealed container in the fridge for a maximum of 5 days.

Reheating Parmesan Risotto

To reheat your risotto, add about ¼ cup of chicken broth to a pan and bring it to a low simmer. Add in your risotto and stir until it is warmed all the way through. If it is too thick, add more broth as needed.

As a general rule of thumb, you'll need ¼ cup of broth for every 1 cup of risotto.

❓ Recipe FAQs

Is Risotto A Rice Or Pasta?

Risotto is a rice dish that is cooked using a particular method that yields a creamy and saucy meal! It is not pasta.

What Makes A Risotto Creamy?

Risotto is so creamy because of the technique that is used during cooking. The broth is slowly added to the rice while being stirred frequently. The constant stirring rubs the starch off of the rice, which is what creates the creamy consistency.

What Is The Best Rice For Risotto?

Arborio is a very popular rice variety for making risotto. There are some other kinds you can try, too. For more information, check out my post on the best rice for making risotto.

Perfectly creamy Parmesan Risotto is not as daunting as reality television makes it look! It's a super treat and easier than you might think!!

🍚 More Rice Dishes

  • Prawn Risotto - This prawn risotto features some juicy shrimp and creamy risotto!
  • Dirty Rice - Dirty rice is packed with Cajun flavor, tasty veggies, and hearty meat!
  • Mushroom Risotto - This classic risotto dish uses mushrooms as the star ingredient!
  • Vermicelli Rice - Vermicelli pasta and rice come together for this easy and tasty side dish!
  • Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice - Break out your Instant Pot for an extra effortless cilantro lime rice dish!
  • Creamy Coconut Rice - This delicious recipe uses Jasmine rice and coconut milk for a creamy and tasty side!

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

📖 Recipe Card

Square image of a plate of Parmesan risotto.
Print Recipe Leave A Comment
Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!
5 from 22 reviews

Parmesan Risotto

This Parmesan risotto is super rich, creamy, and a fantastic base for making a variety of wonderful risotto dishes! It tastes sophisticated and gourmet, but is easy to make! In fact, it is the perfect side dish for any meal and will easily impress all of your guests!
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 308kcal
Prep 5 minutes minutes
Cooking 20 minutes minutes
Total Time 25 minutes minutes
Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

Ingredients
 

  • 4 cups chicken broth (heated to a low simmer in a saucepan)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • ¼ cup shallots (or white onion - finely minced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • ¼ cup dry white wine (up to ⅓ cup - I used Pinot Grigio)
  • 2 tablespoon butter (salted, in 1 tablespoon pats)
  • 2 tablespoon Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (plus more for garnish when served, if desired)
  • salt & pepper (to taste)

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large skillet or frying pan to medium heat. Add olive oil, then add garlic and shallots. Cook until softened, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Add your Arborio rice and cook the kernels, stirring occasionally, for about 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the dry white wine and cook for one minute, stirring frequently.
  • Add one cup of the broth and stir occasionally while the rice cooks and absorbs the liquid. Ladle in additional amounts initially in approximately ½ cup portions. Allow the rice to absorb the liquid as added.
  • When your rice has cooked for about 15 minutes, the rice will slow down on absorbing the liquid when added. Use smaller ¼ cup portions as you near the end of the cooking process.
  • You are looking for an al dente texture to your rice, and I start checking for this at the 15 - 16 minute mark. Test an individual rice grain for the soft texture that still retains a semi-firm core to the grain.
  • Once your rice has reached an al dente texture, remove the risotto from the heat and add the butter and Parmigiano Reggiano. Stir to combine and serve on warmed plates with additional freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • For best results, have your broth simmering in a saucepan before ladling it into the risotto. This helps it absorb into the rice.
  • It is not necessary to stir your rice constantly. Every 30 seconds or so is better!
  • Make sure to add your broth in small increments, giving the rice time to absorb the liquid in between each addition.

Nutrition

Calories: 308kcal (15%) | Carbohydrates: 44g (15%) | Protein: 6g (12%) | Fat: 11g (17%) | Saturated Fat: 5g (31%) | Cholesterol: 17mg (6%) | Sodium: 954mg (41%) | Potassium: 286mg (8%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 197IU (4%) | Vitamin C: 18mg (22%) | Calcium: 52mg (5%) | Iron: 3mg (17%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Appetizers, Dinner Recipes, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
« Air Fryer French Fries
Apple Cider Pancakes »

Share This Recipe!

  • Share
  • X
  • Flipboard
  • Threads
  • WhatsApp
  • Email

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 22 votes (22 ratings without comment)

    Thanks for coming! Ask anything - or let me know what you think: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Brandy says

    August 18, 2020 at 7:53 am

    Thank you so much, I love this guide on how to cook risotto it is very complete.

    Reply
    • Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says

      August 18, 2020 at 8:38 am

      Thanks! I love hearing that it was helpful!

      Reply
      • Eduard Tjoen says

        October 29, 2021 at 3:12 pm

        Mijn complimenten over je methodiek, rustig en zeer duidelijk beschreven en niet te vaak een toelichting te verstrekken. Ja, ja. Daar houden heel veel en te vaak geen rekening mee. De hersencellen moeten niet te vaak over mekaar springen. Als academicus houd ik daar rekening mee. Daar ik gewend ben zeer veel te lezen en de tekst te analyseren mij er weer daar ook om vroeg, houden teveel recepten-schrijvers daar geen rekening mee. Mijn complimenten; ga zo door.
        Eduard.

Primary Sidebar

Author bio photo with cake.

Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

More About Me ->

Grilling Recipes

  • Tasty, easy cookout food ideas to make and feed a crowd this summer.
    Easy Cookout Food Ideas: Best Dishes To Bring To A Cookout

  • Square image of sliced Arrachera steak on a cutting board.
    Arrachera (Mexican Steak for Tacos)

  • Square image of sliced Denver steak on a cutting board.
    Denver Steak

  • Square image of grilled ostrich steaks.
    Grilled Ostrich Steaks

  • Square image of grilled pineapple.
    Grilled Pineapple

  • Square image of sliced grilled skirt steak.
    Grilled Skirt Steak

See more Grilled →

Tasty Dinner Ideas

  • A square collage of four images showing easy summer crockpot meals including tender London broil pot roast, green beans and potatoes, grape jelly meatballs, and pork carnitas tacos.
    Summer Crockpot Meal Ideas

  • Panda Express honey sesame chicken copycat recipe plated with rice and garnished with more white sesame seeds.
    Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken

  • A square image showing a bowl of tender wok fried marinated chicken with celery, onions, and black pepper sauce.
    Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken

  • Best leftover lobster recipes page image featuring four favorite dishes in a square collage.
    Leftover Lobster Recipes

  • Square collage image featuring 4 tasty recipes using leftover hard boiled eggs.
    Leftover Hard Boiled Eggs Recipes

  • Spider taco ring on baking sheet with taco toppings in the body and sliced olives for eyes.
    Spider Taco Crescent Ring

See more Main Dish →

Footer

As Seen On

As seen on these popular sites: Mashed, Tasting Table, Parade, MSN, Yahoo, Delish, The Pioneer Woman, Today, Taste of Home, and more.

↑ back to top

About

  • Meet The Team
  • Photo Sharing
  • Privacy Policy
  • Work With Me
  • Accessibility Statement

Recipes

  • Dinners
  • Desserts
  • Breakfasts
  • Cookies & Bars
  • Videos
  • Articles

AI-Free

Everything on Bake It With Love is created by me, where I share my experiences, with help from my team members and family.

I promise that BIWL is 100% free of AI content.

Get Social

Visit us on your favorite social media platforms!

Copyright © 2016-2025 Bake It With Love

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.