Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto

Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice; 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food Cravings

I absolutely love making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto on cozy evenings when I want a warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug. The method of slowly cooking the rice allows the starches to release, creating that perfect creamy texture that pairs so beautifully with the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan. It's a simple yet sophisticated dish that impresses guests and satisfies my cravings at any time. Plus, the wonderful aroma that fills the kitchen while it cooks is truly delightful.

Created by

Delilah Spencer

Last updated on 2026-02-08T05:52:36.091Z

When I first tried making risotto, I was intimidated by the process, but I quickly discovered how rewarding it can be. The key is to stir constantly while gradually adding broth, which ensures an incredibly creamy consistency that’s hard to resist. I now consider this dish my go-to comfort food during chilly weather.

One tip that I swear by is using high-quality stock or broth; it makes a significant difference in flavor. I also like to finish it off with a touch of butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that extra layer of richness and color. It elevates the dish without much effort!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Irresistibly creamy texture that comforts your soul
Garlicky flavor combined with cheesy goodness that works in harmony
Perfect for dinner parties or cozy family nights

The Art of Stirring Risotto

Stirring is the essence of making a perfect risotto. As you add the broth one ladle at a time, keep your spoon in motion. This process not only helps release the rice’s starches, creating that creamy texture, but it also prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Aim for a gentle but consistent stir. If you notice any brown bits starting to form on your skillet, reduce the heat slightly to make sure the rice cooks evenly without burning.

To achieve that ideal al dente texture, test the rice around the 18-minute mark during cooking. The grains should be tender but still have a little bite to them. If you find that the rice is getting too soft before it reaches the right texture, simply lower the heat and extend the cooking time slightly with less liquid at one time.

Flavor Building with Ingredients

The choice of broth plays a crucial role in determining the overall flavor profile of your risotto. Chicken broth will impart a savory richness, while vegetable broth offers a lighter touch, allowing the garlic and Parmesan to shine through. If you have homemade broth, that’s even better—it's richer and fresher than store-bought alternatives. Enhance your base flavors by adding a bay leaf or sprig of thyme to the broth as it heats, which can be discarded before pouring in the rice.

Garlic is the star in this risotto, so don’t be shy about using it. Sautéing it just until fragrant before adding the rice is key to preventing bitterness. For a more pronounced garlic flavor, consider using roasted garlic instead; just mash it and stir it in along with the Parmesan for a deeper, sweeter profile.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you begin:

Ingredients

1 cup Arborio rice
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect risotto:

Prepare the broth

In a saucepan, heat the chicken or vegetable broth over low heat and keep it warm.

Sauté onion and garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Toast the rice

Add the Arborio rice to the skillet, stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the rice is well-coated and slightly toasted.

Add broth gradually

Pour in the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the next ladle. This should take about 20-25 minutes.

Finish with cheese and butter

Once the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and garnish

Serve the risotto warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider incorporating sautéed mushrooms or peas into the risotto. They complement the garlic and Parmesan beautifully.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Risotto is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to prepare it ahead of time, consider cooking it slightly less than fully done. When storing, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it can last up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, and heat gently on the stovetop, stirring to incorporate the liquid evenly.

If you want to freeze risotto, allow it to cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers. It should keep well for about a month. When it’s time to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop with a bit of extra liquid, as frozen risotto tends to become drier.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make the risotto your own. Seasonal vegetables like peas, asparagus, or mushrooms can be sautéed and folded in at the end for a freshness that complements the creamy base. Just make sure to adjust the timing so that they are cooked to your liking before serving.

For those who want to add a little protein, shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed shrimp can be folded in just before serving. The added flavors will meld beautifully with the garlicky, cheesy base, making it a heartier meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular rice instead of Arborio?

Arborio rice is preferred for its starch content, which creates the creamy texture. Regular rice won't yield the same results.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ Can I make this risotto ahead of time?

Risotto is best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of broth.

→ What can I pair with risotto?

It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seafood, or simply a green salad for a lighter meal.