Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Deep, Savory Flavors: Earthy mushrooms and sharp Parmesan create a rich taste.
-
Creamy Texture: Arborio rice delivers a naturally creamy consistency without needing a ton of cream.
-
One-Pot Simplicity: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
-
Customizable: Add protein, veggies, or spices to make it your own.
-
Comfort in a Bowl: Warm, filling, and nostalgic, perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Arborio rice (or any short-grain rice)
-
Vegetable or chicken broth
-
Sliced mushrooms (e.g., cremini or button)
-
Small onion, finely chopped
-
Garlic cloves, minced
-
Olive oil
-
Butter
-
Grated Parmesan cheese
-
Heavy cream (optional)
-
Salt and pepper
-
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
-
Sauté Aromatics: In a saucepan, heat olive oil and butter. Add onions and garlic; cook until translucent.
-
Cook Mushrooms: Stir in sliced mushrooms; cook until tender.
-
Toast Rice: Add Arborio rice, stirring to coat in the oil and butter.
-
Add Broth: Slowly add broth one cup at a time, stirring often. Let rice absorb the liquid before adding more.
-
Finish: Once rice is creamy and tender, stir in Parmesan and cream (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
-
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy warm.
Servings and Timing
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
-
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
-
Servings: 4
Variations
-
Add Protein: Include cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
-
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
-
Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or bell peppers for color and nutrients.
-
Herb Infusion: Use thyme or rosemary for an aromatic boost.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Let cool before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
-
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of Arborio?
Yes, though it won’t be as creamy. Adjust liquid and cook time as needed.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Milk or a plant-based alternative works well for a lighter version.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, just use vegetable broth and omit any meat add-ins.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, use vegan butter, skip the Parmesan, or use nutritional yeast instead.
How do I make it more filling?
Add beans, lentils, or diced chicken to boost protein.
Does it reheat well?
Absolutely! It may thicken, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Can I cook this in advance?
Yes, it stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
What kind of mushrooms work best?
Cremini, button, or even shiitake mushrooms all add great flavor.
How can I make it more decadent?
Stir in a bit more butter or cream, and top with extra Parmesan before serving.
Can I serve this cold?
It’s best served warm, but leftovers can be eaten cold or at room temp in a pinch.
Conclusion
Parmesan Mushroom Rice is an easy, delicious way to enjoy comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a cozy side dish or a satisfying main, this recipe delivers every time. With creamy texture and bold flavor, it’s destined to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Parmesan Mushroom Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Parmesan Mushroom Rice is a creamy, comforting one-pot dish made with Arborio rice, savory mushrooms, and nutty Parmesan cheese. Whether served as a side or hearty vegetarian main, this easy recipe delivers bold, earthy flavor with minimal effort—perfect for cozy weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
Arborio rice (or other short-grain rice)
Vegetable or chicken broth
Sliced mushrooms (e.g., cremini or button)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
½–¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Sauté Aromatics: In a large saucepan or skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened and translucent.
-
Cook Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until browned and tender.
-
Toast the Rice: Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 1–2 minutes, coating it in the oil and butter mixture.
-
Add Broth Gradually: Pour in the broth one cup at a time, stirring frequently. Let the rice absorb the liquid before adding more, continuing until the rice is creamy and fully cooked (about 20–25 minutes).
-
Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese and optional cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For extra richness, add more butter or cream before serving.
Use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
Substitute heavy cream with milk or plant-based alternatives for a lighter version.
Add red pepper flakes for heat or herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aroma.
Stir in spinach or peas at the end for added nutrients.
