Mushroom Risotto – Creamy, Earthy, and Perfect for Cozy Meals

Rich, creamy, and packed with earthy flavor, Mushroom Risotto is pure comfort in a bowl. There’s something almost meditative about stirring a pot of risotto, watching simple ingredients slowly melt into something luxurious.

Slowly stirred with care, this classic Italian dish transforms simple ingredients into something luxuriously silky and deeply satisfying. If you love creamy, comforting dishes, you might also enjoy our Zucchini Risotto — a lighter, vibrant take on the classic.

Perfect for cozy dinners, special gatherings, or whenever you crave something warm and indulgent, mushroom risotto feels like a gentle hug on a plate. And if you’re looking for a hearty side to pair with it, our Gratinated Portobello Mushrooms would be a perfect match.

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Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Difficulty: Moderate

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Ingredients

• 1½ cups Arborio rice (300g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mixed mushrooms, sliced (225g)
• ½ cup dry white wine (120ml)
• 4 cups hot vegetable or chicken broth (960ml)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (60g)
• 2 tablespoons butter (28g)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet or wide saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   Add the onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add garlic and mushrooms.
   Sauté until mushrooms are soft and golden.
3. Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted.
4. Pour in the white wine and stir until mostly absorbed.
5. Add broth one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly.
   Wait until each addition is absorbed before adding more.
6. Continue adding broth and stirring for about 20–25 minutes, until the rice is creamy and al dente.
7. Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese.
   Season with salt and pepper.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

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Notes

Use Arborio rice for the creamiest texture.
Stir frequently — this helps release the rice’s starch and creates that silky finish.
Keep the broth warm for smoother absorption.

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Variations & Add-ons

Add a handful of spinach or peas near the end of cooking.
Stir in a few tablespoons of mascarpone for extra richness.
Use a mix of wild mushrooms for deeper, complex flavors.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

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Background Story

Mushroom Risotto is a beloved staple of Northern Italian cuisine, particularly in the Lombardy and Piedmont regions where rice paddies stretch for miles.

Traditional risotto is all about patience — slowly coaxing the creamy texture from humble rice and broth, and elevating it with simple, earthy ingredients.

Mushrooms, with their deep umami flavor, pair perfectly with the rich creaminess of the rice, creating a dish that’s comforting yet sophisticated.

This version stays true to the spirit of rustic Italian cooking: fresh ingredients, careful attention, and love stirred into every spoonful.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve mushroom risotto as a main course or a luxurious side dish.

It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a crisp glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

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FAQs About Mushroom Risotto

Can I use regular rice instead of Arborio?
Technically yes, but you won’t get the same creamy texture.
Arborio or other risotto-specific rices are best.

Can I make mushroom risotto ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can par-cook it (about 75% done) and finish right before serving.

Can I use dried mushrooms?
Yes!
Soak them first and use the soaking liquid (strained) as part of your broth.

How do I know when the risotto is done?
The rice should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente), and the dish should be creamy, not soupy.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely — just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

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Final Thoughts

Rich, earthy, and luxuriously creamy, Mushroom Risotto is the perfect dish for when you want a little warmth, a little indulgence, and a lot of flavor.

Timeless, elegant, and lovingly made.