Name: Creamy Mushroom Risotto Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 to 3 cups vegetable stock, divided; 1 ½ Tablespoons light olive oil; ½ cup diced shallot or 1 small white onion; 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves); 8 ounces (2 cups) sliced button mushrooms; 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 1 cup Arborio rice or hulled millet (pre-rinsed); 2 Tablespoons butter or plant based butter; 1 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping; 1 to 2 cups loose leaf spinach; Fresh parsley; Cracked black pepper

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If you are searching for a cozy, flavorful dish that impresses both in texture and taste, this Creamy Mushroom Risotto Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful blend of tender mushrooms, rich cheese, and perfectly cooked Arborio rice, all coming together in a single skillet to create a creamy, satisfying meal. Whether you are making it as a comforting main course or a standout side, this recipe brings warmth and heartiness with every bite, all while keeping things gluten-free and adaptable for vegans.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with many sliced mushrooms showing their light beige color with dark brown inside gills sits in the upper left. Below it, a dark gray measuring cup holds a mound of yellow powder, and to its right, another dark gray measuring cup is filled with white uncooked rice grains. In the lower left corner, a white square piece of butter is placed near a small bowl with green chopped herbs. On the right side of the image, a yellow onion rests next to three peeled white garlic cloves and a half lemon with bright yellow skin. A white bowl filled with fresh whole green spinach leaves is near the bottom right. In the top right, a glass container holds bright yellow liquid. All items are arranged on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this Creamy Mushroom Risotto Skillet Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the savory stock that provides depth to the tender mushrooms that add an earthy note. Simple yet essential, these ingredients combine seamlessly to give you the irresistible creaminess and flavor this dish is loved for.

Vegetable stock, 2 to 3 cups: Use warm stock to gently cook the rice and infuse the dish with savory undertones.
Light olive oil, 1 ½ Tbsp: Helps sauté the aromatics and mushrooms, creating a rich base.
Diced shallot or onion, ½ cup: Adds a sweet, aromatic layer that compliments the mushrooms perfectly.
Minced garlic, 1 tsp: Brings a subtle pungency that brightens the creamy profile.
Sliced button mushrooms, 8 oz (2 cups): The star ingredient providing texture and umami flavor.
Kosher salt, 1 to 1 ½ tsp: Enhances all the natural flavors in the skillet.
Arborio rice or hulled millet, 1 cup: The grain base for creamy risotto texture; choose millet for a gluten-free alternative.
Butter or plant-based butter, 2 Tbsp: Adds richness and helps create that luscious finish.
Parmesan cheese, 1 cup shredded/grated: Gives the dish its signature cheesy creaminess; opt for vegan cheese if desired.
Loose leaf spinach, 1 to 2 cups: Adds freshness and vibrant color to balance the richness.
Fresh parsley and cracked black pepper, to garnish: Final touches that elevate the flavor and presentation.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Risotto Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Warm Your Stock

Start by gently heating your vegetable stock until it’s nice and warm. This is a key trick so the risotto cooks evenly without cooling down the pan each time you add liquid. You want the stock to be almost simmering but not boiling, so it integrates smoothly.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your shallots and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about three minutes. Then add the sliced mushrooms along with half a teaspoon of kosher salt. Crank the heat up and let the mushrooms release their moisture as you stir in some hot stock for about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Rice or Millet

Reduce heat slightly and stir in the Arborio rice or pre-rinsed millet, ensuring it’s well coated with the flavorful base. Pour in just enough warm stock to cover the grains—usually 1 to 1 ½ cups—and bring to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, cover, and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the rice is tender and has soaked up most of the liquid.

Step 4: Finish Cooking and Enrich

Remove the lid and pour in the remaining stock—up to 1 ½ cups—for a creamier texture. Keep stirring over medium heat as the liquid absorbs, around 5 to 10 minutes more. Once the risotto reaches that perfect al dente tenderness, take it off the heat and stir in butter, Parmesan, spinach, and another ½ teaspoon of salt. Season with cracked black pepper and garnish with fresh parsley.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Risotto Skillet Recipe

The dish is creamy mushroom risotto with a thick texture, showing three main layers; the base layer is soft, yellowish risotto rice densely packed with visible slices of brown mushrooms scattered throughout, the middle layer includes small bits of green herbs adding specks of color, and the top layer features a shiny, smooth coating of melted cheese glistening under light. A silver spoon is partially lifted from the risotto, carrying some mushrooms and rice, all set against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your risotto even more inviting, finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a crack or two of black pepper. These simple garnishes brighten the dish and add a lovely fresh aroma that contrasts with the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Mushroom Risotto Skillet Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or a simple grilled protein like chicken or fish. For a vegan option, consider serving it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a hearty lentil loaf.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this risotto straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style feel that invites sharing. Alternatively, plating it up with a drizzle of truffle oil or a handful of toasted pine nuts adds an elevated touch perfect for dinner parties or cozy date nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It maintains its flavor well but may thicken over time, so a little extra liquid can help when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze this risotto, though the texture might soften slightly upon thawing. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within two months for the best taste.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen the creamy consistency. Stir frequently to bring back that luscious texture without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use other mushrooms besides button mushrooms?

Absolutely! Cremini, shiitake, or a wild mushroom mix can add deeper flavors and more texture variety, making your risotto even more exciting.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply swap out the butter for a plant-based one and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy note.

What if I don’t have Arborio rice? Can I use another grain?

Arborio is ideal for its creamy starch content, but hulled millet is a wonderful gluten-free substitute that still absorbs flavors beautifully, albeit with a slightly different texture.

How can I make this dish more filling as a main course?

Add cooked protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or toss in extra vegetables such as roasted butternut squash or peas for a heartier meal.

Can I prepare parts of this risotto ahead of time?

You can chop the vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to speed up the cooking process, but it’s best to cook the risotto fresh for optimal creaminess and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the full scoop on this Creamy Mushroom Risotto Skillet Recipe, I’m confident it will become one of your go-to dishes for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. It’s straightforward to make, wonderfully comforting, and adaptable to suit many diets and tastes. Give it a try—you’ll love the way those creamy, earthy mushrooms blend so beautifully with the tender rice, creating a dish that feels both luxurious and homey in one skillet!

Creamy Mushroom Risotto Skillet Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need