Beginner-Friendly Ina Garten Parmesan Risotto Recipe

Parmesan risotto delivers creamy comfort with a touch of elegance.

Each grain of rice soaks up flavor as it slowly simmers in broth.

Stirring develops that signature silkiness while releasing natural starches.

Parmesan brings richness and depth, creating a dish that feels both rustic and refined.

It takes patience, but the result is more than worth the effort.

Pair with vegetables or meat for a full meal.

Tips That Prevent Clumps and Stickiness

• Warm Up Your Stock: Keep chicken stock gently simmering to help rice absorb liquid quickly and cook evenly without temperature interruptions.
• Dutch Oven Magic: Select a heavy-bottomed cast iron Dutch oven for consistent heat distribution, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, creamy risotto every time.
• Stir with Purpose: Vigorous stirring after baking releases rice starches, creating that luxurious, silky texture risotto is famous for worldwide.
• Cheese Like a Pro: Grate Parmesan cheese directly from a fresh block to ensure maximum melting potential and authentic, robust flavor in every bite.
• Preserve Pea Perfection: Drop frozen peas into the risotto during the final moments of cooking, maintaining their bright green color and tender-crisp texture.

Store and Reheat Like It’s Just Made

• Freeze Strategically: Portion risotto into individual freezer-safe containers, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent freezer burn. Freeze flat for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum space efficiency and quick defrosting.
• Moisture Preservation: Before refrigerating, create a thin layer of plastic wrap pressed directly against the risotto's surface to prevent moisture loss and maintain creamy texture. This technique prevents the rice from drying out and keeps the original silky consistency.
• Revive with Liquid: When reheating, stir in warm chicken stock or water gradually, whisking to restore the risotto's original smooth and creamy texture. Start with small amounts of liquid and increase as needed, preventing potential graininess during reheating.

Add-ins That Bring Out the Risotto Wow

• Mediterranean Herb Risotto: Swap Parmesan for crumbled feta cheese and add chopped fresh oregano, thyme, and basil during the final stirring stage. Enhance the flavor with sun-dried tomatoes and a sprinkle of kalamata olives.
• Mushroom Wild Rice Version: Replace Arborio rice with a blend of wild and brown rice. Sauté mixed mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, and porcini before adding to the risotto. Incorporate truffle oil for an earthy, rich undertone.
• Seafood Saffron Adaptation: Introduce saffron threads during baking for a golden color and deep flavor. Fold in cooked shrimp, scallops, and chopped fresh parsley at the end. Replace chicken stock with seafood stock for an enhanced marine profile.
• Vegetable Harvest Rendition: Mix in roasted seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, zucchini, and roasted red peppers. Stir in some spinach leaves just before serving and top with toasted pine nuts for added texture and nutrition.

That Last Bite of Creamy, Cheesy Joy

Culinary magic unfolds with Ina Garten’s Parmesan Risotto, a symphony of comfort and elegance.

Simplicity meets sophistication in this foolproof recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality masterpiece.

Classic Italian techniques merge with modern convenience, resulting in a dish that whispers gourmet luxury.

Mediterranean warmth fills kitchen spaces through this delectable preparation, promising delightful dining experiences.

You can elevate your cooking skills, savor each luxurious spoonful, share this incredible recipe with friends, drop comments below, and spread the delicious love across social media platforms.

Why Parmesan Risotto Is Easier Than You Think

• Effortless Oven-Baked Magic: Skip the traditional stovetop stirring and let the oven do the hard work, transforming risotto-making from a labor-intensive task to a hands-off, stress-free cooking experience.
• Creamy Cheesy Comfort: The generous Parmesan cheese and vigorous stirring create an incredibly smooth, rich texture that delivers ultimate comfort food satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.
• No-Fuss Gourmet Technique: Ina Garten's clever method eliminates constant stirring, making restaurant-quality risotto accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, proving gourmet cooking can be surprisingly simple and approachable.

The Risotto Basics That Make It Foolproof

Main Ingredients:

• Arborio Rice: Classic short-grain rice perfect for creamy risotto with high starch content that creates smooth texture.
• Chicken Stock: Rich, flavorful liquid that cooks and seasons the rice with depth and warmth.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty Italian cheese that adds rich umami flavor and creamy texture to the risotto.
• Butter: Provides silky richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious finish to the dish.

• White Wine: Adds bright, acidic notes that balance the richness and deepen the overall flavor profile.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet, tender vegetable that provides color, texture, and light freshness to the risotto.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Make Parmesan Risotto

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F or 180°C. This is your first move to creating a dreamy risotto.

Step 2: Create The Rice Base

• Arborio rice
• Chicken stock

Cover the pot and slide it into the oven. Let it bake for 45 minutes until the rice drinks up most of the liquid and becomes perfectly tender.

Step 3: Transform Into Creamy Goodness

• Remaining chicken stock
• Parmesan cheese
• White wine
• Butter
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together with passion for 2-3 minutes until the risotto becomes silky smooth and luxuriously creamy.

Step 4: Add A Pop Of Color

Toss in frozen peas and stir until they’re warmed through. The green will brighten up your dish and add a delightful freshness.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Scoop the risotto onto plates right away while it’s piping hot. The creamy texture is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Bonus Tip: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost!

Ina Garten Easy Parmesan Risotto Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Parmesan risotto from Ina Garten brings Italian comfort to your kitchen with minimal effort. Creamy Arborio rice simmers in white wine and broth, creating a luxurious dish that promises restaurant-quality flavor without complex techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1½ cups (360 milliliters) Arborio rice
• 5 cups (1.2 liters) chicken stock, preferably homemade
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) frozen peas

Liquid and Seasoning:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) dry white wine
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Finishing Ingredient:

• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) unsalted butter, diced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by setting the temperature to 350°F (180°C), ensuring an even heat distribution for optimal cooking.
2. In a spacious Dutch oven, combine the rice with of chicken stock, creating a foundation for a creamy and flavorful risotto.
3. Carefully cover the Dutch oven and place it in the preheated oven, allowing the rice to bake for approximately 45 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice reaches a tender, al dente consistency.
4. Once removed from the oven, introduce the remaining of chicken stock, along with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a splash of white wine, a pat of butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Vigorously stir the mixture for 2-3 minutes, encouraging the ingredients to meld together and develop a luxuriously thick and creamy texture.
6. Gently fold in the frozen peas, allowing them to warm through and add a burst of color and freshness to the dish.
7. Serve the risotto immediately while piping hot, ensuring the optimal temperature and creamy consistency are enjoyed by diners.

Notes

• Cheese Transforms Texture: Freshly grated Parmesan releases intense flavor and helps create that signature silky, smooth risotto consistency.
• Protect Pea Perfection: Gently fold frozen peas into the dish during the final moments of cooking to maintain their bright color and delicate crunch.
• Stirring Unlocks Creaminess: Vigorous mixing after baking helps release rice starches, creating a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel.
• Dutch Oven Magic: Select a heavy-bottomed pot that distributes heat evenly, guaranteeing uniform rice cooking and preventing scorching.
• Temperature Matters: Keep chicken stock warm and simmering to ensure smooth rice absorption and consistent cooking throughout the risotto.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 547
• Sugar: 2.22g
• Sodium: 1,510.46mg
• Fat: 16.78g
• Saturated Fat: 9.8g
• Carbohydrates: 68.16g
• Fiber: 2.71g
• Protein: 17.55g
• Cholesterol: 44.9mg