10 Irresistible Risotto Recipes to Try Tonight!

Risotto is one of those dishes that sounds super fancy, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pure comfort food bliss! There’s something almost therapeutic about standing at the stove, stirring away and seeing your dish turn into a creamy pan of perfection.

Whether you’re craving something cozy and classic or you want to switch things up with fresh flavors, these 10 Best Risotto Recipes will definitely hit the spot.

I’ve spent years perfecting my risotto game (and eating way too much of it along the way), so you can trust that each of these recipes delivers big on flavor without a ton of fuss. From rich and hearty to light and veggie-packed, these risottos are the ultimate dishes to keep in your dinner rotation. Ready to get stirring?

Before we dive into the risotto recipes, I want to take a minute to acknowledge that I totally understand that it’s a dish that has a reputation for being super tricky to get right. Here are some quick tips (the principles of which I’ve used when developing these recipes and testing them out in my own kitchen), that’ll help you to perfect your risotto game:

• Use the right rice: Arborio rice is the most commonly used for risotto, but Carnaroli and Vialone Nano are also great options that you can look out for. These varieties have high starch content, which creates that signature creamy texture.
• Always use warm broth: Cold broth can lower the temperature of the rice, slowing down the cooking process and affecting the final texture.
• Stir consistently, but not constantly: Stir the risotto regularly to release the starch from the rice, but don’t stir it continuously. Over-stirring can break down the rice grains and make the texture too mushy. It’s a balancing act! 
• Add broth gradually: Add the broth one ladleful at a time, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. This helps develop the creamy texture while cooking the rice evenly.
• Sauté the rice first: Before adding liquid, sauté the rice in butter or olive oil for a few minutes. This step, known as toasting the rice(or “tostatura”), helps create a nuttier flavor and seals the grains to prevent them from becoming overly soft.
• Use a wide, shallow pan: A larger surface area helps distribute heat and allows more liquid to evaporate, resulting in creamier risotto.
• Don’t rush the process: Risotto should be cooked over medium to low heat. Cooking it too fast or on high heat can leave the rice undercooked or unevenly cooked.
• Rest before serving: Let the risotto rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid, giving you the perfect consistency.

1. Creamy Mushroom Risotto

There’s nothing quite like the earthy richness of mushrooms paired with creamy risotto. This dish is cozy, flavorful, and perfect for a quiet night in.

Why You Should Try It: If you’re a mushroom lover, this creamy and luxurious risotto is a must-try. The mushrooms add a deep, savory flavor that’s irresistible.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in rice and toast for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in white wine and cook until absorbed.
5. Add broth, one ladle at a time, stirring until fully absorbed.
6. Stir in Parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

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2. Classic Parmesan Risotto

Sometimes, simplicity is key. This classic Parmesan risotto is creamy, cheesy, and everything a traditional risotto should be.

Why You Should Try It: It’s simple yet indulgent, perfect for when you’re craving something comforting and classic.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté onion until translucent.
2. Add rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Pour in white wine and cook until absorbed.
4. Add broth one ladle at a time, stirring until each ladleful is absorbed before adding more.
5. Stir in Parmesan and butter, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

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3. Zucchini Risotto

Light, fresh, and full of flavor, this zucchini risotto is perfect for a summer meal. The zucchini adds a nice crunch while the risotto remains creamy and rich.

Why You Should Try It: It’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your risotto while keeping things light and delicious.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 zucchini, grated
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté onion until soft.
2. Add rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in white wine and cook until absorbed.
4. Add broth, one ladle at a time, stirring.
5. In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in grated zucchini and butter.
6. Add Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

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4. Creamy Tomato Risotto

Tomato lovers, this one’s for you! Creamy and tangy, this tomato risotto is packed with flavor and makes for a deliciously comforting meal.

Why You Should Try It: The tomatoes add a rich, tangy flavor that perfectly balances the creaminess of the risotto.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
2. Stir in rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Add white wine and cook until absorbed.
4. Gradually add broth, one ladle at a time, stirring.
5. Stir in tomato sauce and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

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5. Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

Hearty, comforting, and full of flavor, this Chicken and Mushroom Risotto is perfect for when you want a filling, satisfying meal.

Why You Should Try It: The combination of tender chicken and savory mushrooms creates a rich, hearty dish that’s perfect for cooler nights.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until soft.
2. Stir in rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Add white wine and cook until absorbed.
4. Gradually add broth, one ladle at a time, stirring.
5. Stir in shredded chicken, butter, and Parmesan. Serve warm.

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6. Easy Butternut Squash Risotto

This Butternut Squash Risotto is creamy, slightly sweet, and full of fall flavors. It’s the perfect comfort food for colder days.

Why You Should Try It: Butternut squash adds a lovely sweetness to the risotto, making it a perfect seasonal dish.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup butternut squash, cubed and roasted
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast butternut squash cubes at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until tender.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté onion until soft.
3. Stir in rice and toast for 2 minutes.
4. Add white wine and cook until absorbed.
5. Gradually add broth, one ladle at a time, stirring.
6. Stir in roasted butternut squash, butter, and Parmesan. Serve warm.

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7. Bacon and Leek Risotto

This Bacon and Leek Risotto is a match made in heaven—salty bacon and delicate, sweet leeks create a beautifully balanced dish.

Why You Should Try It: The smoky bacon adds a rich depth of flavor, while the leeks provide a gentle sweetness that pairs perfectly.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 leek, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon in a large pan until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté leeks until soft.
3. Stir in rice and toast for 2 minutes.
4. Add white wine and cook until absorbed.
5. Gradually add broth, one ladle at a time, stirring.
6. Stir in crispy bacon, butter, and Parmesan. Serve warm.

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8. Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Risotto

Tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach make this risotto a flavorful and vibrant meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious.

Why You Should Try It: The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy flavor, while the spinach keeps things fresh and light.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté onion until soft.
2. Stir in rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Add white wine and cook until absorbed.
4. Gradually add broth, one ladle at a time, stirring.
5. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in the final few minutes of cooking. Serve with Parmesan.

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9. Turkey and Cranberry Risotto

This Turkey and Cranberry Risotto is the ultimate way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers—creamy, hearty, and full of holiday flavors.

Why You Should Try It: It’s a delicious twist on classic Thanksgiving flavors, perfect for using up that leftover turkey!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups turkey broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté onion until soft.
2. Stir in rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Add white wine and cook until absorbed.
4. Gradually add broth, one ladle at a time, stirring.
5. Stir in shredded turkey and cranberries, then finish with butter and Parmesan. Serve warm.

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10. Pea and Mint Risotto

Fresh, bright, and bursting with spring flavors, this Pea and Mint Risotto is a lighter take on the classic, perfect for a refreshing meal.

Why You Should Try It: The sweetness of the peas combined with the refreshing mint makes this risotto a deliciously unique dish.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté onion until soft.
2. Stir in rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Add white wine and cook until absorbed.
4. Gradually add broth, one ladle at a time, stirring.
5. Stir in peas, mint, butter, and Parmesan. Serve with extra mint on top.

So, there we have it—10 of the best risotto recipes to keep you warm and satisfied all year long. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or looking to try something new, there’s a risotto here for every occasion. Enjoy, and be sure to leave a comment below and share your favorite – it helps me to create more recipes that you’ll love!