Craving a comforting meal that’s easy to make? Try my One Pot Creamy Mushroom Spinach Risotto Delight! This dish combines rich flavors and creamy textures, all in one pot. You’ll need just a few main ingredients like Arborio rice, fresh spinach, and mushrooms, along with pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this risotto will impress your family and friends while being simple enough to whip up any day. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button)
Arborio rice is key for creamy risotto. It absorbs liquid well and stays firm. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Mushrooms bring a rich, earthy flavor that elevates the dish.
Pantry Staples
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetable broth forms the base of the risotto. Use quality broth for best taste. Olive oil helps sauté the onion and garlic. They provide a flavorful foundation for the dish.
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Thyme and rosemary add a fragrant touch. Parmesan cheese gives a creamy, salty finish. Heavy cream ensures the risotto is rich and smooth. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and enhances the presentation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sautéing the Aromatics
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add 1 finely chopped onion. Cook until it is soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 more minute.
Cooking the Mushrooms
- Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the pot.
- Cook the mushrooms until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps bring out their flavor.
Preparing the Risotto
- Add 1 cup of Arborio rice to the pot. Stir well to coat the rice in oil.
- Toast the rice for about 2 minutes. This step enhances the risotto’s taste.
- Gradually add 4 cups of vegetable broth, one ladle at a time.
- Stir continuously and let the rice absorb most of the broth before adding more. This process takes about 20 minutes.
Finishing Touches
- Once the rice is creamy and tender, stir in 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of chopped rosemary. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Mix in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ½ cup of heavy cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Risotto Texture
To get that creamy risotto, you need to focus on a few key things. First, the type of rice is crucial. Always use Arborio rice; it releases starch and gives risotto its creamy texture. When cooking, stir often. This helps the rice release more starch.
For the best texture, you want the rice to be al dente, which means it should be firm but cooked through. Test the rice after about 18 minutes. If it is too hard, keep cooking and add more broth if needed.
Flavor Boosting Suggestions
Using homemade vegetable broth can elevate your risotto. Store-bought broth is fine, but homemade broth packs in more flavor. You can make it with vegetable scraps, water, and herbs.
Experiment with different cheeses to enhance the taste. Parmesan is classic, but you can try goat cheese or a sharp cheddar. These can add depth and richness to your dish.
Preventing Common Mistakes
One mistake is overcooking the rice. Keep an eye on it and test it often. If you cook it too long, it will become mushy.
Stirring is important, but do not overdo it. Stir gently and consistently, allowing the rice to cook evenly. This technique helps prevent clumping and ensures a creamy finish.
Variations
Vegan Version
You can easily make a vegan version of this risotto. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream. For cheese, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Both substitutions keep the creamy texture. They also add a unique flavor that enhances your dish.
Adding Proteins
Want to add some protein? You can mix in chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Cook the protein separately first. Then, stir it into the risotto right before serving. This adds heartiness and makes the dish more filling.
Nutritional Additions
You can boost the nutrition by adding other veggies. Peas or bell peppers work great here. They add color and crunch, making the dish even more appealing. Just toss them in when you add the spinach.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store your leftover risotto, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the risotto fresh. Make sure to cool it down first before sealing it. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date. This way, you know when to eat it.
Freezing Risotto
Freezing risotto is a great way to save it for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, scoop portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Tips
Reheating risotto can be tricky. You want to bring back its creamy texture. The best way is to use a saucepan. Add a splash of broth or water to help loosen it. Heat it over low to medium heat, stirring often. This keeps it from sticking to the pan. If you want, add a little extra cream or cheese for richness. Enjoy your delicious risotto again!
FAQs
What type of mushrooms work best in risotto?
For risotto, I love using cremini or button mushrooms. They add great flavor and texture. Shiitake mushrooms also bring a rich taste. You can mix different types for more depth. Just make sure to slice them evenly for even cooking.
Can I make risotto without Arborio rice?
Yes, you can use other grains like Carnaroli or Vialone Nano. These types also give a creamy texture. Quinoa can be a fun choice too, but it will change the flavor. Just remember, not all grains will absorb liquid like Arborio rice.
How do I make risotto gluten-free?
To make risotto gluten-free, check your broth for gluten. Use a gluten-free vegetable broth. You can also add rich flavors with dairy-free cream or cheese. Nutritional yeast is an excellent substitute for cheese. It gives a cheesy flavor without gluten.
In this post, we explored making a delicious risotto. We began with key ingredients like Arborio rice, fresh spinach, and mushrooms. Then, I shared step-by-step instructions on sautéing aromatics, cooking mushrooms, and finishing the dish. We talked about tips to perfect your risotto and variations like vegan options or added proteins. Lastly, I covered how to store leftovers effectively.
With these tips, you can create a risotto that impresses and satisfies. Enjoy cooking and sharing this tasty meal with others!

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