Ina Garten’s Dreamy Parmesan Risotto Recipe For Beginners

Creamy, luxurious risotto can send anyone’s taste buds into pure bliss with this Ina Garten parmesan risotto recipe that practically melts in your mouth.

One spoonful reveals layers of rich, cheesy comfort that feels like a warm embrace from an Italian grandmother.

The magic happens when simple ingredients come together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Each grain of rice slowly absorbs the delicate broth, creating a silky texture that speaks volumes about elegant cooking.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty depth that turns this dish into something extraordinary.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore how straightforward yet sophisticated this recipe becomes.

You’ll want to savor every single creamy bite and impress everyone at your dinner table with this irresistible culinary masterpiece.

Must-Have Tools for Ina Garten Easy Parmesan Risotto

• Dutch Oven: Heavy-bottomed pot essential for baking risotto in the oven, with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and cook rice evenly.
• Measuring Cups: Precise measurements for chicken stock and ingredients are crucial for perfect risotto consistency.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring risotto and ensuring ingredients mix smoothly without damaging the rice.
• Cheese Grater: Needed to grate fresh Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and smooth melting.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot Dutch oven from oven.

How to Make Ina Garten Easy Parmesan Risotto Like a Chef

• Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a cozy 350°F, preparing for a delightful risotto adventure.

• Rice and Liquid Harmony

Grab a sturdy Dutch oven and nestle the rice with chicken stock, letting them mingle and absorb flavors during a 45-minute baking journey.

• Creamy Transformation

Gently coax the risotto to creamy perfection by introducing additional stock, Parmesan, wine, and butter. Stir with enthusiasm until the mixture becomes luxuriously smooth and inviting.

• Pea Finale

Sprinkle in frozen peas, warming them through and adding a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, letting the risotto’s warmth and comfort embrace your dining experience.

Tips for Customizing Ina Garten Easy Parmesan Risotto

• You can replace chicken stock with vegetable stock for a lighter version, or try adding saffron for a luxurious golden color and rich aroma.
• Fold in cooked chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp to transform this side dish into a complete meal that satisfies hungry appetites.
• Replace frozen peas with roasted butternut squash in autumn, fresh asparagus in spring, or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean touch that keeps the recipe exciting year-round.
• Let the risotto rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to achieve the perfect creamy consistency, stirring gently to prevent the rice from becoming too sticky or dry.

Creative Serving of Ina Garten Easy Parmesan Risotto

• Pair with Protein: Add grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or pan-roasted salmon on top of the risotto for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Garnish Generously: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or basil over the dish to enhance color and add a bright, herbal flavor profile.
• Create Side Salad: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy risotto and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Companion: Match this risotto with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the dish's rich and creamy texture.

Storage Instructions for Ina Garten Easy Parmesan Risotto

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the best quality and flavor retention.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken stock, stirring frequently to restore creamy texture and prevent sticking or drying out.
• Freeze with Caution: While possible, freezing risotto can slightly change its texture, so consume fresh whenever possible for optimal taste and consistency.
• Refresh Before Serving: Add a little extra stock or water when reheating to bring back the risotto's original luxurious, creamy consistency and prevent clumping.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 426 kcal

Servings: 4

Shopping List for Ina Garten Easy Parmesan Risotto

• Arborio Rice: Starchy Italian grain that creates creamy texture and absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Chicken Stock: Provides rich, savory foundation and helps rice cook to perfect tenderness.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty complexity and helps create luxurious, velvety finish.
• White Wine: Introduces bright, acidic notes that balance the richness of the dish.
• Butter: Creates silky smoothness and rounds out the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and balance the entire dish.

• Frozen Peas: Brings vibrant color, sweet freshness, and subtle textural contrast to the risotto.

Creamy Parmesan Risotto Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s easy parmesan risotto brings creamy Italian comfort straight to home kitchens. Crisp white wine, rich parmesan, and tender arborio rice create a luxurious dish perfect for weekend dinners you’ll savor slowly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) arborio rice
• 1 cup (240 ml) freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) frozen peas
• 5 cups (1.2 L) chicken stock, preferably homemade
• ½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine
• 3 tbsps (45 g) unsalted butter, diced
• 2 tsps kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheating: Set oven to 350°F (180°C) for precise, uniform heat distribution.
2. Rice Foundation: Combine rice and chicken stock in a spacious Dutch oven, creating a smooth base for the risotto.
3. Baking Process: Cover the Dutch oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and develop a tender, creamy texture.
4. Final Enhancement: Remove from oven and incorporate remaining chicken stock, Parmesan cheese, white wine, butter, salt, and pepper.
5. Blending Flavors: Vigorously stir for 2-3 minutes, encouraging ingredients to meld and create a luxuriously creamy consistency.
6. Finishing Touch: Gently fold in frozen peas, adding vibrant color and fresh flavor to the dish.
7. Serving: Present the risotto immediately while hot, ensuring maximum flavor and optimal creamy texture.

Notes

• Manage Liquid Ratio: Carefully monitor chicken stock quantities to achieve the perfect creamy risotto texture without making it too dry or soupy.
• Cheese Quality Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and smooth melting, avoiding pre-packaged grated cheese.
• Oven-Baking Technique: This method eliminates constant stirring, making risotto preparation easier and less labor-intensive compared to traditional stovetop methods.
• Serving Timing is Crucial: Serve risotto immediately after preparation to maintain its luxurious, creamy consistency and prevent it from becoming thick or gluey.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 426
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 685 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 36 mg