Okay, here we go! Time to put on my Busy Mom Simple Nutrition hat and chat about one of my family’s favorite weeknight dinners: mushroom risotto recipe! This isn’t just any recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl, packed with nutrients and surprisingly simple to make.
I’m Juliette, and like you, I juggle a million things! I get how hard it is to serve up healthy meals amidst the chaos of family life. That’s why I’m excited to share my mushroom risotto recipe – a nourishing dish that’s both delicious and manageable, even on the busiest evenings.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this mushroom risotto recipe. Don’t worry, I’ve included some easy swaps in case you’re missing an ingredient or two!

- 6 cups vegetable broth: This forms the base of our mushroom risotto recipe. Use low-sodium to control the salt content.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and adding richness. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic, right?
- 1 pound mixed mushrooms, sliced: I like to use cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms for a variety of textures and flavors. My family gets extra nutrition when I add these mushroom varieties.
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice: The key to that creamy risotto texture.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional): Adds a touch of acidity and complexity. No worries if you don’t have this – I use a splash of lemon juice for extra nutrients in my mushroom risotto recipe.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that cheesy, comforting goodness.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and shine at the end.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key!
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of freshness and color.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: For brightness.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional): For the creamiest, most decadent creamy risotto recipe.
Trust me, this mushroom risotto recipe ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! And this mushroom risotto recipe proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious and nourishing mushroom risotto recipe on the table in no time.
- Heat the broth: In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a simmer. Keep it warm over low heat. This is crucial for achieving that creamy texture.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large, wide pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they are tender and have released their moisture, about 8-10 minutes. This is where the mushroom risotto recipe really starts to smell amazing!
- Toast the rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the grains are lightly toasted. This helps to release the starch and create that creamy texture we’re after in our Italian risotto.
- Deglaze (optional): If using, pour in the white wine and cook, stirring, until it is absorbed. This adds a lovely depth of flavor, but the mushroom risotto recipe is delicious without it, too!
- Add broth gradually: Now, the magic happens! Add 1 cup of the warm broth to the rice mixture and stir until it is absorbed. Continue to add broth, one cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. This process will take about 20-25 minutes.
- Check for doneness: The mushroom risotto recipe is done when the rice is creamy and al dente – tender but still slightly firm to the bite.
- Stir in finishing touches: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, butter, lemon juice and heavy cream (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your delicious and nourishing homemade risotto!
Here’s where I used to struggle with my mushroom risotto recipe – learning to be patient with the broth addition. Now, I use that time to chop veggies for another meal! In my busy kitchen, this nutritious mushroom risotto recipe usually takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, and is perfect for those days you just don’t want to think too much about cooking! While your mushroom risotto recipe is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family!
How We Love to Eat This!
This mushroom risotto recipe is a dinnertime nutrition win in our house, and we love to get creative with how we serve it!
The kids devour this nutritious mushroom risotto recipe when I serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. The bright green veggies add a pop of color and extra nutrients. This vegetarian risotto is also fantastic with a simple side salad. It’s a perfect way to get those extra greens in!
This mushroom risotto recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! I also love making it for a cozy weekend dinner. It’s elegant enough to serve to guests, but simple enough for a weeknight meal.
For presentation, I like to serve the mushroom risotto recipe in shallow bowls and garnish it with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra drizzle of olive oil. It makes the dish look extra appealing and inviting! The whole family will love this easy mushroom risotto recipe.
If we have leftovers, I like to use them to make risotto cakes or arancini. It’s a fun way to repurpose the mushroom risotto recipe and avoid food waste!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some common questions I get about my mushroom risotto recipe:
- Is this mushroom risotto recipe really nutritious enough for growing kids? Absolutely! Mushrooms are packed with vitamins and minerals, and the Arborio rice provides energy. Plus, you can sneak in extra veggies like spinach or peas. I know this mushroom risotto recipe can be a bit intimidating for some, but it really is worth it!
- What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy mushroom risotto recipe? Don’t give up! Start by offering a small portion alongside something they already enjoy. You can also try blending some of the mushroom risotto recipe into a creamy soup.
- Can I meal prep this mushroom risotto recipe for busy weeks ahead? While risotto is best served fresh, you can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the veggies, measure out the rice, and keep the broth warm. Then, when you’re ready to cook, it will come together in a snap. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out https://busymomsimplenutrition.com/mushroom-risotto.
- Can I add protein to this vegetarian risotto? Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would be delicious additions. Just stir them in at the end of cooking.
- I don’t have Arborio rice. Can I use another type of rice? Arborio rice is really the key to that creamy texture, so I highly recommend using it if possible. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can use Carnaroli rice or even sushi rice. Just be aware that the texture will be slightly different.
- Is this creamy risotto recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth.
- Can I make this mushroom risotto recipe vegan? Yes! Simply substitute the Parmesan cheese and butter with vegan alternatives. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
I hope these answers help! Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this mushroom risotto recipe your own.
Final Thoughts:
This mushroom risotto recipe has become a staple in our home because it’s both delicious and nutritious. It’s a simple way to get a healthy meal on the table, even on the busiest of nights.
- Sneak in extra veggies: Add a handful of chopped spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals.
- Use low-sodium broth: This helps control the salt content and allows you to season the mushroom risotto recipe to your liking.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt: For a creamy and protein-packed addition, stir in a dollop of plain Greek yogurt at the end of cooking.
- Lemon-Parmesan Risotto: Add the zest of one lemon along with the juice for a bright and zesty twist.
- Asparagus Risotto: Stir in chopped asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking for a fresh and seasonal dish.
- Butternut Squash Risotto: Roast cubed butternut squash and stir it into the mushroom risotto recipe for a sweet and savory flavor. If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for https://busymomsimplenutrition.com/creamy-spinach-mushroom-gnocchi-recipe!

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mushroom risotto recipe
This creamy mushroom risotto is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for a cozy night in. Made with Arborio rice, earthy mushrooms, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound mixed mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 4-5 cups warm vegetable broth, kept warm in a saucepan
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Remove mushrooms from the pot and set aside.
- Add onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Add Arborio rice to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until the edges of the grains become translucent.
- Pour in white wine and cook, stirring, until the wine is absorbed.
- Begin adding warm vegetable broth, 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For an extra touch of richness, stir in a tablespoon of truffle oil at the end.

