Name: Mushroom Spinach Risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice; 2 cups mixed fresh mushrooms (cremini and shiitake), sliced; 2 cups fresh spinach leaves; 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, warmed; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; ½ cup dry white wine; Salt and pepper to taste

Print Recipe

Risotto is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly day, and our Mushroom Spinach Risotto takes that embrace to a whole new level. Picture creamy rice, lovingly stirred with earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach, presenting an aroma that wafts through your kitchen like a siren’s call. mushroom thyme pasta dish This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that dances on your palate. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe.

On a rainy Sunday afternoon, I first whipped up this Mushroom Spinach Risotto, not knowing it would become my secret weapon for impressing dinner guests. The delightful combination of flavors and textures made everyone gobble it up faster than you can say “Mamma Mia!” Trust me; this is the kind of dish that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. unique apple cinnamon hummus.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Mushroom Spinach Risotto is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
The rich flavor profile combines creamy rice with savory mushrooms and fresh spinach for a delightful bite
With its stunning presentation, this dish steals the show at any gathering
Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite proteins or veggies!

One evening, I served this risotto to friends who were skeptics about vegetarian meals. Their faces transformed from skepticism to bliss as they devoured every last bite, leaving me feeling like a proud chef in my own little Italian bistro.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Arborio Rice: A short-grain rice essential for achieving that creamy texture; its high starch content makes all the difference.
Fresh Mushrooms: Use a mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms for depth of flavor and texture.
Fresh Spinach: Opt for young spinach leaves; they add color and nutrients while wilting perfectly into the risotto. perfect crusty bread pairing.
Vegetable Broth: Homemade or store-bought, use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness in the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds richness; don’t skimp here—it’s the cherry on top!
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the flavorful base; sauté until fragrant for an irresistible start.
Olive Oil and Butter: A combination gives you both flavor and creaminess; indulge yourself!
White Wine: Choose a dry white wine to enhance the overall flavor profile without overpowering the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sauté Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir until they become translucent and aromatic—about 3 minutes—creating that comforting base.

Add Mushrooms: Toss in your sliced mushrooms next. Sauté them until they are golden brown and have released their moisture—about 5 minutes. You want them nice and tender for optimal flavor infusion.

Toast Rice: Stir in Arborio rice and allow it to toast slightly for about 2 minutes. This step enhances its nuttiness while preparing it to absorb all those delicious flavors you’ll be adding later.

Pour In Wine: Time for some fun! Pour in the dry white wine, stirring constantly until it has mostly evaporated. This step not only elevates your risotto but also fills your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma that will make everyone curious about what’s cooking.

Add Broth Gradually: Now comes the magical part of risotto-making! Gradually add warmed vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently until each addition is absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is creamy yet al dente—about 18-20 minutes total.

Toss in Spinach & Finish: Finally, stir in fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese until everything melds together beautifully. creamy zucchini noodle alfredo Season with salt and pepper according to taste. Your Mushroom Spinach Risotto should now be irresistibly creamy!

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or freshly cracked pepper if desired—enjoy every spoonful of this comforting masterpiece!

You Must Know

The secret to a perfect Mushroom Spinach Risotto lies in patience and technique
Stirring constantly helps release the starches, creating that creamy texture we all love
Enjoy the aromatic blend of mushrooms and spinach as they meld together, transforming your kitchen into a cozy haven

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve a delightful Mushroom Spinach Risotto, start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant. Then, gradually add Arborio rice, followed by warm broth one ladle at a time while stirring continuously for that creamy finish. For more inspiration, check out this Savory Garlic Cauliflower Mushroom Delight recipe.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Don’t hesitate to customize your risotto! Add grated Parmesan for extra creaminess or toss in sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of flavor. You could even swap spinach for kale or add some pine nuts for crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess and heat gently on the stovetop.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To elevate your Mushroom Spinach Risotto, always use high-quality ingredients; fresh mushrooms and homemade broth can make a world of difference
Remember to stir continuously for the best texture and never rush the cooking process
Enjoy each step!

I remember the first time I made Mushroom Spinach Risotto; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! Their compliments instantly turned my kitchen into a five-star restaurant—who knew stirring rice could be so rewarding?

FAQs

FAQ

Can I make Mushroom Spinach Risotto ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the base ahead and store it in the fridge. Just add fresh spinach before serving to keep it vibrant and flavorful.

What type of mushrooms are best for this dish?

Cremini or shiitake mushrooms work wonderfully in Mushroom Spinach Risotto due to their rich flavors. Feel free to mix different types for added depth!

How do I achieve creaminess without heavy cream?

The key to creamy risotto is stirring continuously while gradually adding broth. The starch released from the Arborio rice creates that luxurious texture without needing heavy cream.