20 Risotto Recipe You Should Try Making As A Main Course

A classic parmesan risotto is like a creamy Italian hug in a bowl. The key ingredient in every risotto dish is Arborio rice, a special short-grain variety that soaks up hot broth like a sponge. 

The rice becomes tender with a slight bite and subtle sweetness. This contrasts beautifully with the salty Parmesan. Making classic Parmesan risotto requires patience. First, you warm up the rice with some butter and onion. 

Then, you pour in warm broth little by little and whisk it around each time. The rice releases its starch, making the whole dish smooth and velvety. 

A mushroom risotto is enriched with the earthy flavor of mushrooms. The tender mushrooms are nestled in creamy and velvety rice in this dish. Every bite bursts with umami richness, balanced by the subtle sweetness of the rice.

You can get as creative as you like when serving it up. Keep it simple to savor the earthiness of the mushrooms, or dress it up with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, a drizzle of truffle oil, or even a dollop of creamy mascarpone. Either way, a mushroom risotto will leave you feeling happy and full. 

When you are craving something light and uplifting, a lemon asparagus risotto is perfect. This risotto is like a sunshine-in-a-bow thanks to the bright and fresh flavors of the asparagus and lemon.

The zesty lemon tang and the earthy sweetness of the asparagus cuts through the richness of the creamy rice. You can also swap the asparagus for other seasonal vegetables like broccolini, green beans, or even pumpkin to keep things fresh.

A butternut squash risotto is a cozy fall dish with all the flavors and texture you want and need on a chilly evening or a special occasion. This risotto dish has a rich and creamy texture, with the butternut squash imparting a sweet and slightly nutty flavor.

The Parmesan cheese balances the sweetness and takes the dish from one-dimensional to vibrant. Meanwhile, the sage and nutmeg add layers of complex flavors and create a comforting and well-rounded dish. The result is a deliciously satisfying risotto with a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and creamy elements. 

A shrimp and spinach in risotto makes a fantastic combination, both in terms of flavor and nutrition. The natural sweetness of the shrimp and its delicate flavor creates a contrasting taste with the earth and slightly bitter spinach and the creamy risotto. These flavor profiles keep the taste buds engaged and create excitement.

Nutritionally, both shrimp and spinach are low in fat and packed with important nutrients. iodine, selenium, vitamins K and A, folic acid, and iron. 

Tomato and basil risotto might sound simple and boring, but it will surprise you once you take a bite. Unlike heavier risotto with heavy cream and cheese, this one is light and fresh. It bursts with the sun-kissed sweetness of fresh tomatoes and the herbaceous fragrance of basil, creating a vibrant contrast to the creamy rice base.

You can infuse the broth with garlic, chilies, or even smoked paprika for unique flavor twists or play with different basil varieties like Thai or lemon basil for unexpected notes.

Every once in a while, you need to experience the magic of truffles in risotto, whether it is truffle paste, shavings of white truffle, or black truffle oil. This simple dish becomes gourmet with the infusion of the truffle’s distinct musky, earthy aroma and luxurious taste. 

There are a wide variety of wild mushrooms like chanterelles, porcini, and black trumpets. You can use two or more for a deep and more complex flavor profile. The combination of all the flavors and textures feels decadent and special.

A risotto is a casual and comforting affair, but there is always the lobster risotto for a nuanced dining experience. The sweet and slightly briny taste of fresh lobster meat bursts with the delicate sweetness of the sea. But a lobster Risotto is not just about flavor. It is about texture, too. 

The tender chunks of lobster meat complement the creamy rice, making each mouthful an exciting discovery. Herbs like tarragon or chives elevate the flavor of lobster without overpowering it.

Sun-dried tomato and pesto risotto is all about celebrating the essence of summer. The unique combination of sun-dried tomato and pesto has delightful textural and flavor contrasts. This risotto has bright, sun-kissed sweetness from the tomatoes and a subtle nutty undertone from the pine nuts or walnuts in the pesto.

Meanwhile, the ever-present creamy Arborio rice is perfectly cooked to al dente. You can add a touch of chili flakes for a spicy kick or even crumble in creamy ricotta cheese for extra richness. 

Caramelized onion and balsamic vinegar make a fantastic combination for a risotto. Onions slowly cooked until golden and sweet is a counterpoint to the balsamic vinegar's sharp, tangy notes, while the risotto offers a smooth and satisfying base.

This multi-layered flavor prevents the dish from becoming one-dimensional. It is perfect with a variety of wines. A light-bodied red like Pinot Noir or a fruity rosé complements the sweetness and acidity of the risotto, while a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness.

Smoked salmon and dill risotto is more than just a meal. It is an experience. The rich, salty smokiness of salmon, the bright, grassy freshness of dill, and creamy rice are all wrapped up in a bowl of deliciousness.

This risotto is perfect for a date night or celebration but surprisingly simple to make yourself. Some recipes add crispy bits of fried salmon skin for an extra textural crunch. 

For a heartwarming dinner party or a solo comfort session, a pumpkin and sage risotto is perfect. The creamy rice, infused with the sweetness of roasted pumpkin and the earthy magic of sage creates a symphony of flavor that is pure satisfaction.

Roast some pumpkin, simmer creamy rice, and let the broth and sage do the work. You will be surprised how something so simple can be so utterly delicious. Your soul and taste buds will thank you.

Gorgonzola, the king of blue cheeses and toasted walnuts come together for an explosion of flavors in the comforting and complex gorgonzola and walnut risotto. The cheese brings saltiness and tanginess while its creamy texture melts into the rice, adding richness and depth.

These flavors and textures are balanced by the crunchy and subtle, earthy and sweet toasted walnuts. Grated Parmesan cheese is often used as a finishing touch to tie everything together beautifully.

Spinach and feta risotto is a flavor party in a bowl. It is not heavy or boring. It is a delicious surprise in every bite. The fluffy and creamy rice turns emerald green from the juices of the spinach and dances with tangy feta crumbles like confetti.

All the ingredients are elevated with a lemony tang. If you are tired of the usual heavy and creamy risottos, give this a try. It is light and refreshing.

You might just be transported to a sunny Italian kitchen with this pesto and cherry tomato risotto. This risotto is fresh with clean and light flavors. The fragrant basil mixes with the sweet pop of tomatoes, while the perfectly cooked rice soaks up all the flavors. All the flavors are rounded and balanced by the savory garlic.

And you can make this at home easily. You do not need fancy ingredients, just fresh tomatoes, basil, and patience. So ditch the takeout and whip up this easy, flavorful dish.

For people willing to splurge, nothing is better than a saffron and seafood combination; it can never go wrong. Saffron is expensive, but a little goes a LONG way. A little sprinkle can make the whole dish sing.

The saffron gently lifts and brightens the other ingredients and enhances the sweetness of the seafood, the creaminess of the rice, and the savory notes of broth and cheese. It also adds warmth and depth and does not hit you head-on. It is subtle and makes the risotto richer.

A roasted red bell pepper and goat cheese risotto is neither heavy nor boring. The tiny chopped roasted peppers bring a sweet and smoky punch and mix with the creamy rice, making it smooth and tangy. Meanwhile, the creamy and salty goat cheese hits your tongue, balancing the sweetness perfectly.

The addition of punchy garlic, fresh basil, and a pinch of chili round out the flavors and create a symphony in your mouth.

An artichoke and lemon risotto is vibrant, versatile, and lovable. The subtle sweetness lurking beneath the earthiness of the artichoke adds complexity and prevents the risotto from becoming plain and basic. 

The artichoke can sometimes be bitter for some people, but it goes undetected as it is usually well-balanced by the creamy rice and zesty lemon. For extra flavor, you can add crumbled goat cheese, pancetta, or truffle oil. 

A bacon and Brussels sprouts risotto is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together in a truly delicious way.

Crispy, smokey, and deliciously salty bacon awakens your taste buds and complements the earthy sweetness of the roasted brussel sprouts. The combination of bacon and Brussels sprouts cut through the rich risotto for creamy comfort. This risotto is a well-rounded meal that will leave you satisfied.

Caprese risotto is like a creamy twist on your favorite summer salad. Juicy, sun-kissed tomatoes and fresh basil leaves are nestled in warm, cheesy rice. The rice is smooth and velvety, contrasting nicely with the juicy tomato chunks and chewy basil leaves. Some recipes even add toasted pine nuts for an extra crunchy surprise.

You can get creative with what you add to your risotto. Add different types of tomatoes, cheeses, or splash of balsamic vinegar. With simple ingredients and fresh flavors, it is a crowd-pleaser everyone can enjoy.