Easy and Cheesy Risotto (No Cream Needed!)
This Easy and Cheesy Risotto proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes, you can have a creamy, dreamy risotto on the table—no heavy cream required!
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Risotto tends to have this fancy reputation — you know, the kind that makes you think it takes a culinary degree, endless stirring, and maybe even a prayer or two to get it right. But honestly? It’s not that serious. This version skips the heavy cream and the stress, giving you all that velvety, cheesy goodness with a lot less time at the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is the kind of recipe that looks impressive but feels like a warm hug in a bowl. You start by toasting the rice in butter (or olive oil, if that’s more your vibe), sprinkle in a touch of Gourmend Green Onion Powder, and slowly add warm broth. Twice, you’ll let it absorb — and then, here’s the game-changer — you cover and walk away.
Yep. No endless stirring. Just let it simmer quietly for about 15–20 minutes, until the rice is just al dente. Then uncover, add the last bit of broth, and stir gently until everything becomes creamy, luscious, and perfectly tender. Finish it with freshly grated Parmesan and black pepper, and you’ve got yourself a bowl of cozy, restaurant-worthy risotto in under 30 minutes.
The Secret to a Great Risotto
This recipe only has a handful of ingredients, which means quality really matters here. Use a low-sodium chicken stock you actually enjoy sipping (homemade is always a win or try Gourmend Bone Broths), and splurge on a block of aged Parmesan — the kind you grate fresh so it melts beautifully into the rice.
Jenn’s Kitchen Tips:
I love Arborio rice for this one. It cooks a bit quicker than some of the other risotto varieties, though it can get a little soft if you overdo it. Just check for doneness after that 15-minute simmer — it should be tender with a little bite in the center.
Cooking with Kids
Risotto is actually a great way to get kids involved in cooking — it teaches patience, stirring skills, and tasting along the way!
Tip: For younger kids, set up a “station” away from the heat where they can stir and sprinkle ingredients under your guidance. It turns cooking into a shared activity without stress.
Storage Tips
Risotto is at its best right off the stove — creamy, dreamy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. But the flavor holds up wonderfully for up to 3 days in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container, then gently reheat in a covered dish in the microwave.
Want to level it up? Roll those leftovers into arancini (Italian rice balls) for the most irresistible second-day treat.
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In the end, this risotto is proof that “easy” doesn’t mean “boring.” It’s simple, satisfying, and full of that old-school comfort my dad used to say every good meal should have — made with love, a bit of patience, and a whole lot of cheese.
Cheers 🥂,
Easy and Cheesy Risotto (No Cream Needed!)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 (about 1 heaping cup per person) 1x
Description
This Easy and Cheesy Risotto is creamy, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make — no heavy cream required! Toasted Arborio rice simmers gently with warm broth, butter, and Parmesan for a rich, velvety texture that feels luxurious without the fuss. Perfect for weeknights, special dinners, or cozy family nights in.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken bone broth, warmed (see notes for substitutions)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (see notes for substitutions)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Gourmend Green Onion Powder (see notes for substitutions)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup arborio rice (see notes for substitutions)
- 4 oz Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Warm the broth.
Heat your chicken bone broth in a small saucepan over medium-high heat or microwave in a glass measuring cup for a few minutes until hot (not boiling). - Toast the rice.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until the grains look translucent around the edges (about 2–3 minutes). Stir in Gourmend Green Onion Powder and kosher salt until aromatic. - Add broth in stages.
Pour in ½ cup bone broth and cook, stirring, until the liquid is absorbed (about 3–4 minutes). Add another ½ cup bone broth and repeat. - Cover and simmer.
Stir in 1 cup bone broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes without lifting the lid, until the rice is just al dente. - Finish the risotto.
Uncover, pour in the remaining ½ cup bone broth, and cook, stirring, until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is creamy and tender. - Add the cheese and serve.
Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan, pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon butter until melted and silky. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, with extra cheese on top if desired.
Equipment
All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel 3 Quart Sauce Pan
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All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless, 3.5-Quart Sauce Pan with Lid
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10 Piece Teak Wood Kitchen Utensil Set
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Le Creuset 1 3/4 Qt. Signature Saucepan
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Le Creuset Enameled 2.25 qt. Cast Iron Saucepan,
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Substitutions:
- Swap chicken stock for vegetable stock (1:1 ratio).
- Replace butter with olive oil (1:1 ratio).
- Use Onion Powder instead of the Gourmend Green Onion Powder. 1 teaspoon of onion powder for 1 ½ teaspoons of the Gourmend Green Onion Powder. (2:3 ratio)
- Swap arborio rice with Carnaroli Rice or Riso dI Molinella Italian Risotto Rice (1:1 ratio)
Storage:
Best enjoyed fresh, but store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or roll into rice balls for arancini.
Diet
Vegetarian-friendly (with substitutions) – see above.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Rice Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
©Photo, Prop Styling, and Food Styling by Jenn Smith
©2025 Cheers, Jenn™ | Cheers, Jenn Smith™ | Jenn Smith, LLC (FKA Smith Country, LLC)
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