Mushroom Spinach Risotto

Name: Mushroom Spinach Risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1/2 cup white wine (optional); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup butter; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil

Highlighted under: Warm Bowl Creations

I absolutely love making Mushroom Spinach Risotto on cozy evenings when I want to indulge in something comforting yet gourmet. The creamy texture and earthy flavors pair beautifully, making it a delightful main course or side dish. I appreciate how the simple ingredients come together to create a rich, satisfying meal. Using Arborio rice gives that luscious creaminess, while fresh spinach adds a vibrant pop of color and nutrition. This risotto offers a wonderful opportunity to practice your stirring technique, and every bite is worth the effort!

Created by

Tom

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:53:27.847Z

When I first tried making Mushroom Spinach Risotto, I was amazed at how the creaminess of the rice enveloped the deep flavors of the mushrooms. The key is to stir gradually while adding broth, allowing the rice to absorb each bit of liquid. This method ensures a velvety smooth texture, which I find absolutely irresistible. I typically use a mix of baby spinach and fresh herbs, which brightens the dish and adds a layer of freshness.

One day, I experimented with adding a splash of white wine to the mix, and it elevated the flavor profile significantly! The slight acidity from the wine balances the richness of the cheese and butter so well. Now, this risotto is a staple in my home, perfect for a cozy dinner or a dinner party.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Earthy flavors from sautéed mushrooms
Richness balanced by fresh spinach
Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner

Understanding Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is central to achieving the creamy texture typical of risotto. Its high starch content makes it ideal for absorbing liquids while releasing its starch, which creates a luscious mouthfeel. Make sure to avoid rinsing Arborio rice; that starch is essential for the dish’s signature creaminess. When toasting the rice, you should see the edges become slightly translucent, which is a great signal that the rice is ready to absorb the broth.

If Arborio rice is not available, you can use Carnaroli or Vialone Nano as substitutes, both of which also provide that creamy outcome. While these alternatives may slightly alter the flavor profile and texture, they ensure the final dish still retains a delightful mouthfeel that makes risotto so special.

Enhancing Flavor with Mushrooms

The mushrooms bring an earthy depth to this risotto, elevating its flavor complexity. Using a combination of cremini, shiitake, or even wild mushrooms can add various nuances to your dish. For maximum flavor, ensure to let the mushrooms brown thoroughly in the pan; this process caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing their umami notes. If they release too much liquid, just continue to cook until it evaporates, leaving behind a rich mushroom essence.

For those looking to switch things up, consider adding other vegetables like asparagus or peas. They not only create a colorful presentation but also add textures that contrast beautifully with the creamy consistency of the risotto. Just ensure to adjust cooking times so that all components remain tender but not mushy.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Risotto is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To ensure optimal texture, refrigerate the risotto in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it back up and restore the creamy consistency.

Freezing risotto can alter its texture, so it's not often recommended. If you must freeze it, try small portions in airtight freezer bags, but be prepared for a slightly more grainy texture upon reheating. To enhance the flavor after thawing, consider stirring in a little extra Parmesan or a splash of cream to revive its richness.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Mushroom Spinach Risotto:

Ingredients

1 cup Arborio rice
4 cups vegetable broth
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup white wine (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil

Now that you have everything ready, let's move on to making this delicious risotto!

Instructions

Follow these steps to cook your Mushroom Spinach Risotto:

Prepare the Broth

In a saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over low heat. Keep it warm as you prepare the risotto.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pan, heat olive oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Cook the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan, cooking until they are tender and browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Toast the Rice

Stir in the Arborio rice, coating it in the oil for about 2 minutes until the edges are translucent.

Add the Wine

If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer until absorbed by the rice.

Incorporate the Broth

Begin adding the warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time. Stir continuously, allowing the rice to absorb most of the liquid before adding more. Repeat this until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.

Finish with Spinach and Cheese

Once the rice is cooked, fold in the fresh spinach, butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve Warm

Serve the risotto warm, optionally garnishing with more Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Enjoy your homemade Mushroom Spinach Risotto!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, replace half of the vegetable broth with a mushroom broth, and always use fresh ingredients for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

To make your Mushroom Spinach Risotto a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side of roasted chicken or grilled prawns for a nutritious boost. A light, zesty salad can also balance the richness of the risotto. For an extra pop of flavor, I like to finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley, which brightens the overall experience.

Additionally, experimenting with garnishes can elevate your dish. A few toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of truffle oil just before serving can transform a simple risotto into an elegant dish suitable for entertaining.

Variations to Try

If you're in the mood for a different twist, swap out the white wine for a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar to add a different acidity that pairs well with the earthy flavors of mushrooms. You might also experiment with adding proteins such as sautéed shrimp, scallops, or even cooked chicken to make the risotto more hearty and satisfying.

For a vegan option, you can easily omit the Parmesan cheese and use a plant-based butter substitute. Nutritional yeast can replace the cheese, imparting a cheesy flavor with added nutritional benefits, making this dish just as fulfilling without the dairy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this risotto in advance?

Risotto is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sautéed mixture ahead of time and add the rice and broth just before serving.

→ What type of mushrooms work best?

I recommend using a mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms for depth of flavor, but you can use any mushrooms you like.

→ Is there a vegetarian substitute for the cheese?

Yes, you can use nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese substitute for a dairy-free version.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken or shrimp would be an excellent addition for more protein.