Asparagus Mushroom Risotto Recipe | Super Creamy
This creamy Asparagus Mushroom Risotto combines tender arborio rice with fresh spring asparagus and earthy mushrooms for the perfect comfort meal. The key to success lies in gradually adding warm broth while stirring constantly, creating that signature velvety texture. Fresh asparagus adds vibrant color and crisp-tender bite, while sautéed mushrooms provide rich, umami depth. Finished with parmesan, butter, and bright lemon zest, this restaurant-quality dish comes together in just 50 minutes. Easily adaptable for vegan, gluten-free, and low-FODMAP diets without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal
Must-Have Equipment:
Large saucepan or medium saucepan (heavy-bottomed preferred)
Sharp knife and cutting board
Cheese grater
Large skillet for sautéing mushrooms
Saute pan for vegetables
Optional but Helpful:
Rice cooker (for an alternative method)
Pressure cooker (for quicker cooking)
For the Base:
- 1½ cups arborio rice
- 6 cups warm veggie broth or chicken broth
- ½ cup white wine
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 1 pound fresh asparagus woody ends removed
- 8 oz mixed fresh mushrooms cremini, shiitake, or porcini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Small amount of water for steaming asparagus
For Finishing:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream optional
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Start with the Mise en Place
Prepare the Vegetables
Cut asparagus stalks into 1-inch pieces, keeping the tips separate. If you're a fan of mushrooms like I am, slice them evenly for consistent cooking. The sliced asparagus stalks will cook differently than the tender tips, so we'll add them at different times.
Sauté the Mushrooms
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the earthy mushrooms and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside. This step intensifies their flavor significantly.
Add the Stock Gradually
Here's where patience pays off. Add the first ladle of stock to the rice, stirring constantly until it's absorbed. Continue adding stock one cup of broth at a time, stirring continuously. This process takes about 18-20 minutes.
Finish with Style
Remove from heat and immediately stir in the cooked mushrooms, asparagus, remaining butter, parmesan cheese, and lemon zest. The residual heat will warm the vegetables perfectly.
Pro Tips for Extra Creaminess:
- Never rinse your arborio rice before cooking
- Keep your broth at a gentle simmer throughout
- Stir in one direction consistently
- Add cold butter at the end (called "mantecatura" in Italian)
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 12gSaturated Fat: 8gFiber: 4gIron: 1.8mg
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