Creamy Mushroom Spinach Risotto (Printable version)
A luxurious risotto featuring tender spinach, earthy mushrooms, and creamy Arborio rice for a satisfying meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables & Herbs
01 - 9 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
02 - 4 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
→ Rice & Liquids
06 - 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
07 - 4 cups vegetable broth, kept warm
08 - 1/2 cup dry white wine
→ Dairy
09 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, divided
10 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional)
→ Pantry
12 - 2 tbsp olive oil
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How to Prepare:
01 - Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
02 - Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sauté until mushrooms turn golden and moisture evaporates, around 6 to 8 minutes.
03 - Incorporate Arborio rice and gently toast while stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until the edges become slightly translucent.
04 - Pour in the white wine and stir continuously until nearly all liquid is absorbed.
05 - Ladle warm vegetable broth into the rice mixture one scoop at a time, stirring frequently. Allow rice to absorb liquid fully before adding more, continuing this process for 18 to 20 minutes until rice is creamy and al dente.
06 - Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
07 - Remove pan from heat. Mix in remaining butter, grated Parmesan, and heavy cream if used. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
08 - Let the dish rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and Parmesan before plating.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- This risotto feels like sharing a warm, tasty secret with a close friend who loves rich flavors without fuss
- Its balance of tender spinach and fragrant mushrooms makes it my go-to for both elegant dinners and relaxed weeknights
02 -
- Keep your broth warm—it’s the secret to a perfectly creamy risotto without temperature shocks
- Stir often but gently; it helps release the rice’s starch for that classic creaminess
03 -
- Use medium heat when adding broth to avoid sticking or burning the rice
- The key to great risotto is patience—rushing the broth addition can spoil the texture