Mushroom Spinach Risotto

Name: Mushroom Spinach Risotto
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup white wine (optional); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Homestyle Meals

I absolutely adore making Mushroom Spinach Risotto at home! The creamy, comforting nature of this dish always warms my heart and sparks joy at the dinner table. As the rice slowly cooks, it absorbs a wonderful blend of flavors from the mushrooms and spinach, creating a rich, velvety texture that I can hardly resist. Cooking risotto might seem intimidating, but with just a bit of patience and the right techniques, I promise you will achieve a deliciously satisfying meal that impresses everyone around you.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:54:20.672Z

Making Mushroom Spinach Risotto became a cherished kitchen ritual for me during the colder months. I remember the first time I tried it; the earthiness of the mushrooms and the brightness of the spinach melded perfectly with each creamy bite. I learned that the key to a perfect risotto lies in gradually adding the broth, allowing the rice to release its starches slowly, which gives the dish that desired creaminess.

One tip that transformed my risotto from ‘good’ to ‘great’ was finishing it with a little grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice. This not only deepens the flavor but also adds a delightful brightness that balances the dish beautifully. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I can't wait for you to try it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy texture that envelops each grain of rice
Earthy mushrooms paired with vibrant spinach for a fresh taste
Perfect as a comforting meal or as a side dish for special occasions

Understanding Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is the key to achieving that signature creamy texture in Mushroom Spinach Risotto. Unlike regular long-grain rice, Arborio rice has a high starch content that gets released during cooking. This starch is what creates that luscious, velvety consistency we crave. Make sure to use Arborio specifically; other types of rice just won’t yield the same creamy result.

When cooking Arborio rice, avoid rinsing it. Rinsing removes some of the starch, which is critical for the creaminess of your dish. Instead, just toast the rice with the aromatics before adding liquid. This step enhances its nutty flavor, setting the foundation for the rich taste of your risotto.

Choosing Your Mushrooms Wisely

For this risotto, I prefer using cremini or shiitake mushrooms due to their rich and earthy flavors, which perfectly complement the dish. However, feel free to experiment with other varieties like portobello or even a mix of wild mushrooms. If you want a lighter flavor, button mushrooms are a good alternative.

When sautéing the mushrooms, ensure they're spread out in the pan to prevent steaming. This helps achieve that golden, caramelized exterior, enhancing the overall depth of flavor. If you notice that your mushrooms are releasing too much moisture, increase the heat slightly to avoid sogginess.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning to prepare this dish in advance, you can cook the risotto without adding the spinach and cheese. Allow the finished dish to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it slowly on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to reclaim that creamy consistency.

Risotto doesn't freeze well due to its delicate nature, but if you do want to freeze some, consider making risotto balls (arancini) with it instead. After cooking and cooling, mold the risotto into small balls, coat them in breadcrumbs, and freeze. You can then fry them directly from frozen for a delightful snack later.

Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, let's gather all the necessary ingredients for a delightful Mushroom Spinach Risotto.

Ingredients

1 cup Arborio rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 cups fresh spinach
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

With all the ingredients laid out, we are ready to embark on the delicious journey of cooking our Mushroom Spinach Risotto!

Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let's walk through the steps of creating this delectable risotto.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Cook the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they are soft and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the Rice

Stir in the Arborio rice, allowing it to toast for about 2 minutes while stirring constantly.

Deglaze with Wine

If using, pour in the white wine and cook until it has mostly evaporated, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Add Broth Gradually

Begin adding the vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until the liquid has mostly absorbed before adding the next ladle. This process will take about 20 minutes.

Incorporate Spinach and Cheese

Once the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Remove from heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese.

Season and Serve

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Your Mushroom Spinach Risotto is ready to be enjoyed, perfect for any occasion!

Pro Tips

For an extra depth of flavor, try adding a dash of truffle oil just before serving. It elevates the dish to a gourmet level that’s sure to impress your guests.

Serving Suggestions

Mushroom Spinach Risotto is wonderfully versatile and can be served in various ways. For a complete meal, pair it with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the risotto. If you're looking to impress, consider topping it with crispy pancetta or fried shallots for added texture and flavor.

You can also serve the risotto as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or seafood. The creamy texture complements the proteins well. Just make sure to keep the risotto warm until you're ready to serve, as it’s best enjoyed immediately for that fresh, luscious experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your risotto turns out too thick or dry, you can loosen it up by stirring in a bit more broth or water while reheating. Just a small amount is all you need to restore its creamy allure. Conversely, if it becomes too soupy, return it to the heat and cook it off until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Another common issue is ending up with rice that’s overcooked or mushy. This can happen if you add too much broth at once. Always add the broth gradually and wait until nearly all the liquid has been absorbed before adding more. This method not only controls the texture but also helps to build layers of flavor.

Creative Variations

Feel free to get creative with your risotto by adding seasonal vegetables like asparagus, peas, or roasted butternut squash. These additions not only enhance the taste but also add a pop of color and nutrition. You can fold them in just before the cheese to keep their texture intact.

For a protein boost, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp during the final stages of cooking. Just ensure they are added towards the end to heat through without overcooking, resulting in tender morsels to complement the creamy risotto.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this risotto ahead of time?

While risotto is best fresh, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

→ What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?

I recommend using cremini or shiitake mushrooms for their robust flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorites!

→ Is it necessary to use wine in this recipe?

No, the wine adds depth, but you can substitute it with more broth if you prefer to keep it alcohol-free.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace the Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative and ensure your broth is vegetable-based.