Go Back
Barefoot Contessa Easy Parmesan Risotto Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Easy Parmesan Risotto Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Easy Parmesan Risotto Recipe is creamy, rich, and full of flavor. This comforting dish uses simple ingredients and gentle stirring to create a smooth texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special meals, it delivers a restaurant-style experience at home.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Medium pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Ladle

Ingredients
  

  • Arborio rice – 1 ½ cups
  • Chicken broth – 5 cups, warm
  • Butter – 3 tablespoons
  • Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
  • Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Parmesan cheese – ¾ cup, grated
  • Salt – ½ teaspoon
  • Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
  • Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped

Instructions
 

Warm Broth

  • In a medium pot, heat the chicken broth over low heat until warm. Keep it gently simmering during cooking. Warm broth helps the rice cook evenly and creates a creamy texture.

Cook Onion

  • In a large saucepan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook slowly until soft and translucent. Stir often so the onion cooks evenly without browning.

Add Garlic

  • Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for about one minute. Stir gently until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

Toast Rice

  • Add Arborio rice to the pan and stir well to coat each grain with butter and oil. Toast the rice lightly for two minutes until it looks slightly glossy.

Add Broth Slowly

  • Begin adding warm broth one ladle at a time. Stir gently and allow the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. This slow process builds a creamy texture.

Cook Risotto

  • Continue adding broth and stirring for about twenty minutes. The rice should become tender but still slightly firm in the center. Keep heat steady and avoid rushing the process.

Add Cheese

  • Once the rice is cooked, stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until melted and creamy. Add salt and black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your taste preference.

Finish and Serve

  • Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley. Let the risotto rest for one minute before serving. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top for a rich and comforting finish.

Notes

  • Always use warm broth for best texture
  • Stir gently but consistently for creamy results
  • Do not rush the cooking process
  • Add cheese at the end for smooth flavor
Keyword Barefoot Contessa Easy Parmesan Risotto Recipe