Easy Parmesan Risotto

This Easy Parmesan Risotto has been simplified with the help from America’s Test Kitchen.  Less stirring, less work but creamy, dreamy risotto!!

Easy Parmesan Risotto

Ok, I have a confession– I have never had risotto……ever……. until now.

This easy Parmesan risotto is absolutely delicious and I have no idea why it has taken me this long to try it.

Well, actually I do know why it has taken me this long….because making risotto is TIME CONSUMING!

Usually, when you make risotto you are at the pot stirring and slowly adding in the broth, stirring and slowly adding in the broth, stirring and slowly adding in the broth.

And this goes on for what feels like an eternity.

Easy Risotto Recipe

This is just not manageable for me because….well I have little kids and whenever I am at the stove with something that needs my constant attention all of a sudden everyone else needs my constant attention.

So, I have left risotto for one of those meals I will make someday when I no longer have children underfoot.

Parmesan Risotto

But, I have found the solution from America’s Test Kitchen!!

Those guys are awesome and I feel like they are constantly reinventing the wheel.

They found a way to make risotto without standing there and stirring it through the whole process and it still turns out thick, creamy and so flavorful.

I fell in love instantly and have made it for several dinners over the past month and I have also tinkered with it making different variations so I may have to post those in the near future too!

What is creamy Parmesan Risotto?

Risotto is basically a rice dish. It’s from Northern Italy and is a type of rice (must be arborio rice!) that is cooked in broth (any type of broth) to a creamy consistency.

Typically other ingredients such as butter, wine, onion, garlic, or Parmesan cheese are added.

Risotto is usually served as a first course in Italy but I always serve it as a side dish.

Arborio rice must be used because of its high starch content and that is what makes this rice dish creamy.

Can you make risotto without wine?

Yes, you can. You will find that almost every risotto recipe out there has wine in the ingredient list. And yes, it does lend flavor it can be substituted with more broth.

If you would like to add that touch of acidity without wine you can add just a splash of white wine vinegar when you add the broth.

What to serve with risotto?

Here are a few options to choose from!

• Homemade Oven Roasted Rotisserie Chicken
• Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin
• Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
• Choose a few other sides to go along with such as: Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli, Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots, Simple Roasted Green Beans, Spinach, Apple, and Pomegranate Salad, or Wilted Spinach Bacon Salad.

5 from 2 votes

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Easy Parmesan Risotto

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

45 mins

 

This Easy Parmesan Risotto has been simplified with the help from America’s Test Kitchen. Less stirring, less work but creamy, dreamy risotto!!

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: easy risotto, Parmesan risotto

Servings: 6

Calories: 449 kcal

Author: Countryside Cravings

Ingredients

• 5 cups chicken broth or stock
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1-2 large cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese I found freshly grated it best
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Bring the broth and water to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cover.
2. In a dutch oven melt butter over medium heat. Add in onion and cook until soft. Add in garlic and rice and cook, stirring frequently until grains are translucent around the edges. Around 3-5 minutes.
3. Add in the wine and cook stirring constantly until wine is fully absorbed (about 3 minutes) Stir in 5 cups of hot broth and reduce heat to medium low. Cover and simmer until almost all of the liquid has been absorbed (about 16-18 mins) stirring twice during this process.
4. Add in 1 cup of hot broth and stir gently until risotto becomes creamy. Add in the Parmesan cheese and remove from heat. If risotto needs “loosened” add in a little hot broth until desired consistency is achieved. Stir in chopped parsley if desired.

Recipe Notes

Recipe adapted from America’s Test Kitchen

Nutrition Facts

Easy Parmesan Risotto

Amount Per Serving

Calories 449 Calories from Fat 117

% Daily Value*

Fat 13g20%

Saturated Fat 8g50%

Cholesterol 34mg11%

Sodium 387mg17%

Potassium 295mg8%

Carbohydrates 58g19%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 15g30%

Vitamin A 375IU8%

Vitamin C 1.5mg2%

Calcium 207mg21%

Iron 3.5mg19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.