Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto

Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup arborio rice; 3 cups chicken stock; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup white wine (can be left out or substituted with 3 tablespoons lemon juice); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced; 3/4 cup parmigiano reggiano cheese; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon minced chives or parsley (optional)

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You have to try this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto! This recipe is creamy, filled with cheesy garlic flavor and really simple to make. It's a one pot recipe and ready in only 30 minutes! It's also my most popular YouTube video and for good reason.

garlic parmesan risotto in white bowl topped with parmesan cheese and parsley

Risotto is one of those dishes that really intimidate people in the kitchen, when in fact, it really isn't that hard to make. Personally, I find it easier to make than regular rice because you get to actually watch the cooking process.

This Garlic Risotto recipe is creamy and delicious, just like my Creamy Broccoli Orzo and Mushroom Couscous, and pairs perfectly with salmon, shrimp, chicken or steak. Try it with my oven baked panko chicken, crispy pan fried chicken recipe or garlic butter shrimp.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe:
Ingredients:
Substitutions and Variations:
How To Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto:
Expert Tips:
Recipe FAQs:
More Italian Recipes You Will Love:
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Why You'll Love This Recipe:

The recipe only takes 30 minutes to make.
It is filled with cheesy, garlic flavor.
This risotto is a great way to turn basic rice into a decadent meal.
It's easy to make and just requires a little attention in the kitchen.

Love Italian Recipes? Try this Easy Lasagna, Pull Apart Garlic Bread, and Zucchini Mushroom Pasta.

Ingredients:

Arborio Rice: A short grain rice with high starch, which makes the creamiest risotto.

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese: A nutty Italian cheese with salty notes.

Garlic and Onion: Must have ingredients in Italian cooking and bring in a ton of flavor.

Butter & Olive Oil- For sautéing the onion and garlic and toasting the risotto.

White Wine- A dry white wine like Chardonnay for a bit of acidity in this savory dish.

Chicken Stock- To add salty, rich flavor into the risotto.

Heavy Cream- For an added boost of creaminess at the end of the cooking process.

Salt & Pepper- To season the risotto.

Full recipe and ingredient quantities can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions and Variations:

For an extra boost of flavor, try adding in ¼ cup of drained, chopped roasted red peppers and/or 1 cup of fresh chopped baby spinach. Add them in after the heavy cream and cover the pot for just two minutes to allow them to warm up or the spinach to wilt.

If you don't want to use wine, just substitute in a few tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, or you can leave them both out entirely. There is enough liquid in the recipe without the wine or lemon juice.

I do NOT recommend substituting the chicken stock with broth or water. Stock has the most flavor, which really makes this dish.

How To Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto:

Step 1: Begin by placing a dutch oven or large pot on the stovetop over medium low heat. Add in the butter and olive oil and allow it to heat up.

Onions cooking for risotto in dutch oven.

Step 2: Toss in the onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent, stirring every minute to avoid burning.

Arborio rice and garlic added to dutch oven for risotto.

Step 3: Add in the garlic and arborio rice and stir. Allow it to toast for a few minutes. Pour in the wine and allow it to evaporate for a minute.

Step 4: Now, add 1 cup of chicken stock into the pot until it soaks into the arborio rice. This takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir. Then repeat two more times. Once all of the stock has absorbed into the arborio rice and there is just a little bit of liquid in the pot, (it should take about 20 minutes) turn off heat completely.

Wooden spoon showing texture of finished risotto.

Step 5: Sprinkle in salt and pepper and pour in heavy cream. Add in parmesan cheese and stir to incorporate. Cover for 3 minutes. Uncover and stir in parsley or chives.

Creamy garlic parmesan risotto topped with parsley in serving dish.

Step 6: Time to serve this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto. Top with additional parmesan cheese, if desired, and enjoy!

Expert Tips:

Use a medium low heat throughout the cooking process and don't try to rush it. The arborio rice cooks best over this heat over a 20 minute period.
Watch the onion closely when cooking. We want a translucent color with no browning. Turn the heat down if they start to brown.
Make sure to shred the parmesan cheese from a block for the best texture and melting. A bagged cheese will not work will in this recipe because it contains anti-caking agents and does not melt well.

For more creamy side dish recipes, try my Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce, Creamy Pesto Pasta, and Roasted Pear Salad with Creamy Goat Cheese.

Recipe FAQs:

What kind of rice is used for Risotto?

Arborio rice is most commonly used for risotto for it's high starch content that creates a creamy texture. If you choose a different form of rice, you will not get the right consistency.

Can I substitute the white wine?

Absolutely! Use a few tablespoons of lemon juice or skip right to the chicken stock. It will still be delicious without the wine and I've made it plenty of times without.

Can I skip the heavy cream?

Yes! You can omit the heavy cream. I like it for extra creaminess, but it is not 100% necessary. If you can't have dairy, you can also leave out the cheese and use 2 tablespoons of olive oil instead of butter.

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If you tried this Garlic Risotto Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!

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