Sautéed Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Risotto

Name: Sautéed Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup sliced mushrooms (like cremini or button); 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup white wine; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Highlighted under: Lean & Light Cooking

I absolutely love making Sautéed Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Risotto on cozy evenings. The rich, earthy flavors of the mushrooms combined with the sweetness of the caramelized onions create a comforting dish that warms the soul. This recipe requires a bit of patience, but the creamy, dreamy texture is worth every minute spent stirring. Trust me, once you try this delightful risotto, you'll want to make it again and again for special occasions or simply to indulge yourself.

Created by

Tina

Last updated on 2026-01-08T11:54:32.798Z

When I first ventured into making risotto, I was intimidated by the constant stirring, but I quickly learned that this step is crucial for achieving that creamy texture. I love the way the rice absorbs the broth and becomes beautifully creamy. As I sauté the mushrooms and onions, my kitchen fills with an intoxicating aroma that makes the cooking process feel magical.

This recipe is my go-to when I want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. I add a splash of white wine at the perfect moment to enhance the flavors, and I find that using arborio rice is essential for creating that perfect al dente bite. Trust me, this dish will wow anyone at your dinner table!

        Why You'll Love This Risotto
        Rich, savory mushroom flavor accented by sweet caramelized onions
Creamy, dreamy texture that envelops each grain of rice
Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions with loved ones

      

Key Techniques for Perfect Risotto

Risotto requires a delicate balance of stirring and patience. When you add broth to the rice, it’s crucial to stir consistently to help the starches release, which creates that signature creamy texture. I recommend using a wooden spoon; it allows for gentle stirring without damaging the grains. If you skip stirring or walk away for too long, you risk the rice sticking to the bottom of the pan, leading to uneven cooking. Keep your attention focused while the risotto works its magic!

To achieve the perfect level of doneness, taste the rice towards the end of cooking. The ideal risotto should be al dente, meaning it will still have a slight bite to it. If your risotto seems too thick, simply add a bit more broth to reach your desired creaminess. On the other hand, if it’s too runny, continue to cook it down on low heat, stirring frequently until it thickens up nicely.

Ingredient Insights

Using Arborio rice is key to successful risotto. This short-grain rice has a high starch content that contributes significantly to the creamy consistency you're aiming for. If you're in a pinch, other risotto varieties like Carnaroli or Vialone Nano can work well too, but avoid long-grain rices, as they won’t yield the same creamy texture.

Fresh mushrooms elevate the flavor profile of this dish immensely. I prefer using cremini mushrooms for their robust earthiness, but you can experiment with shiitake or even a mix of wild mushrooms if you want to add complexity. Just make sure to clean them gently with a damp cloth rather than rinsing them under water to maintain their umami essence.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Sautéed Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Risotto

1 cup Arborio rice
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup sliced mushrooms (like cremini or button)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Broth

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

Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, until the onions are caramelized, about 15 minutes.

Sauté the Mushrooms

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions. Cook until the mushrooms are golden and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Toast the Rice

Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the oil. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes until it looks slightly translucent.

Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the white wine and stir until it has mostly evaporated, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Add the Broth Gradually

Begin adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente.

Finish with Cheese and Butter

Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Serve and Garnish

Spoon the risotto into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice or zest right before serving. It brightens the dish beautifully!

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Sautéed Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Risotto is indeed best when served fresh, but if you're short on time, you can prepare certain elements ahead. Both caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. When you're ready to finish the risotto, simply reheat them in the skillet before adding the rice.

If you have leftover risotto, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, as it may thicken when stored. Be sure to stir frequently to avoid sticking.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance both presentation and flavor, consider topping your risotto with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of truffle oil just before serving. This final touch adds richness and elevates the dish's gourmet appeal. You can also add a few shaved Parmesan curls on top for added texture and flavor contrast.

If you're looking to boost nutrition, serve this risotto alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. The freshness of greens complements the richness of the risotto beautifully and provides a lovely balance to the meal. I often pair it with a light white wine to echo the flavors from the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this risotto vegan?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a vegan cheese substitute.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

→ What kind of mushrooms work best?

Cremini and button mushrooms are both excellent choices, but feel free to mix in some shiitake or portobello for added flavor.

→ Is it necessary to constantly stir the risotto?

Yes, stirring helps release the starch from the rice, creating the signature creamy texture that risotto is known for.