Creamy, cozy, and always satisfying, risotto is easier than it looks. Whether you’re using traditional arborio rice or swapping in farro, orzo, or even pasta, these recipes offer practical ways to bring restaurant-style comfort to your own kitchen. From light spring versions to rich, mushroom-packed mains, there’s a risotto here for every season and skill level.
Many of these dishes can double as mains or sides, depending on your needs. Some take their time on the stovetop, while others use pressure cookers or Instant Pots to cut down the effort. No matter the method, each recipe offers creamy texture, balanced flavor, and the kind of meal that feels both simple and satisfying.
Click through and find the one that fits your night. Whether it’s a cozy solo dinner or a side for something bigger, these risotto dishes make it easy to serve up comfort without getting complicated.
Orzo Risotto with Roasted Vegetables
This creamy orzo risotto is made like traditional risotto but with pasta instead of rice. Stirring slowly as it cooks releases starches, giving it a rich, velvety texture. Tossed with roasted vegetables, it’s a colorful, all-in-one meal that’s easy to prep and great for weeknights. No draining, no fuss—just flavor.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Risotto with Roasted Vegetables
Farro Risotto
Hearty and full of texture, this farro risotto uses white bean soup and chicken broth for a base that’s packed with flavor. The farro stays slightly chewy while the broth thickens around it, making this a cozy dish that’s more rustic than traditional risotto but just as satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Farro Risotto
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
This mushroom risotto is rich and creamy—without any dairy. The starch from the rice and the mushrooms’ natural umami do all the work, giving you a plant-based dish that doesn’t feel like a compromise. A handful of peas adds color and balance to every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Asparagus Risotto
This spring-inspired risotto features tender asparagus stirred into creamy arborio rice with Parmesan. It’s fresh, light, and comes together in around 30 minutes. Great as a side or main, especially when asparagus is in season. Serve with lemon zest or cracked pepper for a simple finish.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Risotto
Chicken Risotto
This no-frills chicken risotto delivers warm, comforting flavor with just a few ingredients. Arborio rice gets slowly simmered with broth and shredded chicken for a dinner that’s simple but feels special. Stirring is required, but the results are worth it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Risotto
Spinach Risotto
Fresh spinach adds color and a bit of earthiness to this creamy risotto. It’s a vegetarian side that works with almost any main dish, or you can serve it on its own with a bit of extra cheese. It’s easy to make, and kids usually love it too.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Risotto
Zucchini Risotto
Zucchini risotto is a great way to use up garden vegetables. Grated zucchini melts into the rice as it cooks, creating a soft, creamy texture without needing much cheese or cream. It’s a good fit for a light dinner or simple side dish.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Risotto
Bacon and Egg Risotto
This risotto flips breakfast on its head, combining smoky bacon and a soft-cooked egg with creamy rice. Made in the Instant Pot, it’s surprisingly quick and works as a savory brunch or an easy breakfast-for-dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Egg Risotto
Easy French Onion Risotto
French onion soup meets risotto in this cozy, savory dish. Slowly caramelized onions bring deep flavor, and the creamy rice base gives it all the comfort you’d expect. Great for date nights, special dinners, or when you’re craving something rich and warming.
Get the Recipe: Easy French Onion Risotto
Pressure Cooker Mushroom Risotto
Skip the stirring—this mushroom risotto is made in a pressure cooker for quick results with the same creamy payoff. It’s packed with mushrooms for depth, and the texture turns out just right every time. A great choice when time is short but flavor matters.
Get the Recipe: Pressure Cooker Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom Risotto
This version sticks to the basics but nails them: slowly cooked arborio rice, plenty of mushrooms, white wine, and a finish of butter. It’s all about patience and steady stirring to get that perfect creamy texture. Serve it alongside grilled meat or fish.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto
Caramelized Carrot Risotto
This risotto uses sweet, caramelized carrots to bring out bold, natural flavors in a vegetarian-friendly dish. It’s simple but satisfying, with just enough richness to feel like comfort food. Serve it as a main or a colorful side during cooler months.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Carrot Risotto
The BEST Creamy Mushroom Risotto
This mushroom risotto brings big flavor with a straightforward method. The mushrooms are sautéed until golden, the rice is slowly simmered, and it all comes together in a creamy finish. No shortcuts, just solid technique and bold, earthy taste in every bite.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Creamy Mushroom Risotto