• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Chef Dennis
  • Recipe Index
  • My Recipes
  • On the Road
  • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Cookie Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Recent Recipes
  • Holiday Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Ask Chef Dennis » Recipes » Sides » Rice » Restaurant-Style Creamy Mushroom Risotto

    Restaurant-Style Creamy Mushroom Risotto

    Published: Nov 2, 2020 · Modified: Feb 21, 2022 by Chef Dennis Littley · 40 Comments·This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    918 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    5 from 26 votes
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    pinterest image of creamy mushroom risotto

    If you’re looking for a delicious side dish to add to your home menu try my Restaurant-Style Creamy Mushroom Risotto. You’ll be blown away by the flavors and the versatility of this Italian Classic!

    mushroom risotto in a white bowl with a spoon

    Making risotto will take a little more effort than making your standard white rice. But it’s time well spent and you’re family is going to love the taste!

    What Ingredients do I need to make Creamy Mushroom Risotto?

    ingredients to make mushroom risotto in glass bowls

    Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my Creamy Mushroom Risotto In Chef Speak this is called the Mise en Place which translates into Everything in its Place.

    Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

    What kind of rice should I use to make risotto?

    In Italy risotto is usually made with short- to medium-grain in size, plump, and has a high amylopectin (starch) content. These are the grains that are typically used.

    • Carnaroli
    • Arborio
    • Vialone Nano
    • Baldo 

    For non traditional variations of risotto you can also use:

    • Basmati
    • Farro

    Can I make risotto with white or brown rice?

    Yes you can, traditional white or brown rice can be used to make risotto. The problem you run into is not having as much starch to work with which makes risotto creamy.

    If you use regular rice, you can fake the texture by adding heavy cream to the finished rice. I would advise following the steps as outlined in my recipe. It won’t be exactly like traditional Italian risotto but I guarantee it will be delicious!

    I use heavy cream in my Creamy Mushroom Risotto but it’s an optional ingredient that can be left out if you’re using risotto rice.

    Chef Dennis Tips for making Risotto:

    • Precook the mushrooms – Or any other vegetable you’re using to make risotto. You will add the mushrooms (or other veggies) at the end of the recipe. Cook the mushrooms over high heat, to release the liquid and caramelize the mushrooms. (Use 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil).
    • Start with Onions – After precooking the veggies start the risotto with diced onions. Add the onions to the same pan you cooked the mushrooms in over medium-high heat. (Use 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil).
    • Toast the Rice – Add the rice to the pan and toast the rice for a few minutes with the onions. This will help bring out the natural flavors of the rice. Just don’t let the rice get brown!
    • Heat the Broth – It’s an easy rule to remember. If your cooking food that requires adding broth (other than a non-cream soup) the broth should be hot.
    • Stir Frequently Stirring helps release starches resulting in a creamy dish.
    • Add Broth in Small Doses Add broth, allow it to evaporate (while frequently stirring) and then add a bit more. A bit tedious but worth the time.

    How do I make Mushroom Risotto?

    cooked mushrooms in a large frying pan

    In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter over high heat. Add the mushrooms and saute until nicely browned. Approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.

    sauteed onions in a large skillet with risotto rice on top

    In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter, Saute the onion for 1-2 minutes and then add in the rice. Toast the rice in the pan for about 2-3.

    **Don’t overcook, the rice won’t change color.

    Do I have to use onions in my risotto?

    No you don’t, but they do make risotto extra tasty. But if you can’t eat onions, leave them out. Pancetta or bacon would be a good substitute, but you can always make it by just starting with just the rice.

    broth added to risotto in large saute pan

    Add 1 cup of the heated chicken broth to the rice in the pan, stirring occasionally.

    **Stirring occasionally to help the rice cook evenly. It should take 10-15 minutes to add the entire all the chicken stock.

    Can I use Vegetable Stock to make risotto?

    Yes you can. Depending upon what type of risotto you are making you can use any stock you like. You can also make it with wine or water, adding the seasoning in at the end.

    **Will it taste the same? Probably not, but it will still be delicious and it’s your risotto and you should make it to fit your dietary needs or likes.

    cooked risotto in a large saute pan

    Reduce the heat to medium and add the rest of the stock ½ cup at a time until the rice absorbs all of the liquid.

    mushrooms added to risotto in large skillet

    When all the stock has been absorbed by the rice add in the mushrooms. Remove from the heat and mix well.

    Do I have to use mushrooms in my risotto?

    No you don’t. In fact risotto can be made with just about any vegetable or combination of vegetables you enjoy eating. Some of my favorites are listed below, but there are many others you can try.

    • Asparagus
    • Butternut Squash
    • Roasted Tomato
    • Pesto (basil or sundried tomato)

    You can even add seafood, chicken, pork or beef to the risotto. Think of this rice dish as a blank canvas with you adding the delicious strokes of the flavors you enjoy eating.

    And of course you can just make risotto with cheese, nothing else is needed.

    add romano cheese and cream to the pan of mushroom risotto

    Add the Romano cheese, heavy cream and black pepper. Return to medium heat and mix thoroughly as the risotto reheats.

    **you can leave the cream out of the risotto, it is an optional ingredient.

    mushroom risotto in a white bowl

    Garnish with chopped parsley, serve and enjoy!

    More Recipes You’ll Love!

    • Pasta alla Caponata
    • Pasta Aioli with Broccoli Rabe
    • Kale and Corn Succotash
    • Ratatouille Two Ways

    Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST!

    mushroom risotto in a white bowl
    Print Recipe Save Saved!
    5 from 26 votes

    Restaurant-Style Creamy Mushroom Risotto

    Ordering risotto at your favorite Italian restaurant has always been a treat reserved for dining out. But the truth is risotto is very easy to make and my creamy mushroom risotto is the perfect choice to start making this classical Italian dish in your own home.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time40 mins
    Total Time50 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Italian
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 523kcal
    Author: Chef Dennis Littley

    Ingredients

    • 12 ounces mushrooms sliced
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • ½ cup onion fine diced
    • 1 cup arborio rice
    • 2 ½ cups chicken stock
    • ½ cup heavy cream optional
    • ½ cup Romano cheese grated
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper to taste
    US Customary – Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken broth to a simmer.
    • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter over high heat. Add the mushrooms and saute until nicely browned. Approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
    • In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter, Saute the onion for 1-2 minutes and then add in the rice. Toast the rice in the pan for about 2-3.
      **Don't overcook, the rice won't change color.
    • Add 1 cup of the heated chicken broth to the rice in the pan, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium and add the rest of the stock ½ cup at a time until the rice absorbs all of the liquid
      **Stirring occasionally to help the rice cook evenly. It should take 10-15 minutes to add the entire all the chicken stock.
    • When all the stock has been absorbed by the rice add in the mushrooms. Remove from the heat and mix well.
    • Add the Romano cheese, heavy cream and black pepper. Return to medium heat and mix thoroughly as the risotto reheats. Garnish with chopped parsley, serve and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 523kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 382mg | Potassium: 528mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 664IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 164mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!
    pinterest image of creamy mushroom risotto
    « Homemade Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe
    Oven Roasted Rack of Pork – Restaurant Style Dinner »

    About Chef Dennis

    Picture of Chef Dennis

    Chef Dennis is a semi-retired Chef, writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of A Culinary Journey with Chef Dennis aka Ask Chef Dennis®. Chef Dennis worked professionally in White Table Cloth Restaurants for 40 years and has been developing easy to make, restaurant-style recipes since 2009. The second phase of his reinvention from chef to blogger has earned him a place at the Worlds Dinner Table. Join him on his Culinary Journey enjoying his easy to make Restaurant Style recipes and travel adventures. For more details, check out his About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Aleeza

      November 12, 2020 at 8:56 pm

      5 stars
      This was so delicious! Thank you for this wonderful recipe

      Reply
    2. Loreto Nardelli

      November 08, 2020 at 10:41 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutly love mushroom tisotto! When We make it ourselves we use carnaroli, however we have also used barley and it turnes out pretty good. We don’t call it risotto we call it Barletta.

      Reply
    3. Jessica Knott

      November 08, 2020 at 8:49 pm

      I have tried all the store packets of risotto and a few recipes on my own and nothing comes close to the mushroom risotto I had on vacation. This one looks packed to the brim with flavor and one that I can totally make on a cozy Sunday afternoon.

      Reply
    4. Jenny

      November 08, 2020 at 3:07 pm

      5 stars
      Few meals are as comforting and satisfying as your delicious risotto. It was easy to make thanks to your detailed instructions and was absolutely delicious. We all loved it and have requested to make it again. Thanks so much for another hit recipe chef Dennis!

      Reply
    5. Gunjan

      November 08, 2020 at 10:04 am

      5 stars
      I personally love the idea of mushrooms in risotto. This came out so well and aromatic. My family loved it.

      Reply
    6. EA Stewart

      November 07, 2020 at 6:37 pm

      5 stars
      Risotto is one of my favorite comfort foods-especially with mushrooms. Love the addition of heavy cream to make it extra rich and delicious!

      Reply
    7. Paula Montenegro

      November 07, 2020 at 8:33 am

      5 stars
      Risotto is always a good idea and if it’s mushroom so much better! Great recipe with perfect instructions. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    8. kylee

      November 05, 2020 at 1:04 pm

      5 stars
      We love risotto – the pro tips in this helped make mine perfect!

      Reply
    9. Natalia Voche

      November 05, 2020 at 12:33 am

      Absolutely looks so yummy! Can’t wait to try this recipe for my family.

      Reply
    10. Swathi

      November 04, 2020 at 11:58 pm

      5 stars
      This creamy mushroom risotto looks delicious I love to try it .

      Reply
    11. Tasheena

      November 04, 2020 at 7:21 am

      5 stars
      This looks so yummy. I wish I had everything on hand to make this right now.

      Reply
    12. Terra @ Terra's Bites

      November 03, 2020 at 10:28 pm

      5 stars
      Mushrooms! Risotto! There’s not much better on the face of this planet! Thank you so much, Chef Dennis!

      Reply
    13. Leslie

      November 03, 2020 at 2:14 pm

      5 stars
      Directions are super easy to follow on this great recipe, thank you!

      Reply
    14. Catalina

      November 03, 2020 at 12:16 pm

      5 stars
      I am drooling over this mushroom risotto. Love how creamy this is!

      Reply
    15. Sharon

      November 03, 2020 at 11:30 am

      5 stars
      This creamy risotto is a great main dish or pairs perfectly with roasted chicken too. Would be a great side dish for Thanksgiving.

      Reply
    16. Lynndee

      November 03, 2020 at 10:42 am

      I love a good mushroom risotto. It’s been a while since I had one, though. I must try your recipe.

      Reply
    17. Ruth I

      November 03, 2020 at 9:07 am

      Wow this looks delicious! I haven’t tried mushroom risotto yet. I’m looking forward to savor this interesting recipe. I love mushroom and this is the kind of dish that I’ve been wanting to give a try.

      Reply
    18. Nyxie

      November 03, 2020 at 8:18 am

      I made mushroom risotto for my GCSE final many moons ago. I haven’t made it since but I remember loving it so much. I was so proud of myself too having never cooked much of anything before. This recipe sounds gorgeous. It’s definitely something I’ll have to try making again before the year’s out.

      Reply
    19. Jen

      November 03, 2020 at 7:17 am

      Mushrooms are one of my favorite ingredients for just about any dish, so this looks amazing. Will have to try it out! Thanks 🙂

      Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar


    I'm Chef Dennis and Welcome to my Culinary Journey where I share my Restaurant-Style Recipes & Travel Adventures. My goal in sharing my recipes and cooking tips is to make you feel more comfortable in your kitchen, and help you find the joy of cooking! 

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Fan Favorites

    • Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe : Restaurant Style
    • The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich
    • Easy Shrimp Salad Recipe
    • The Best and Easiest Strawberry Gelato Recipe You’ll ever Make!
    • How to make Restaurant-Style Seafood Soup
    • Restaurant Style Veal Parm Recipe
    • Best Restaurant Style Chicken Salad
    • Cannoli Cream Filling Cake

    Featured In

    logos of all the places chef dennis has been featured

    Popular Posts

    • Authentic Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
    • Maryland Style Jumbo Lump Crab Imperial
    • German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich) Recipe
    • How to Make Restaurant Style Oysters Rockefeller
    • How to Grill a Steak House Style Ribeye Steak
    • Oven Roasted Rack of Pork – Restaurant Style Dinner

    Most Popular Posts

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    INFO

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    SUBSCRIBE

    Sign Up Today and start getting my easy-to-make restaurant-style recipes!

    CONTACT

    • About
    • Contact

    © 2009-2022 · Ask Chef Dennis · Privacy Policy · Accessibility Statement

    Proud Member of:
    Mediavine Publisher Network
    918 shares
    • 758