Simple Lemon Risotto Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on your plate, look no further than this Simple Lemon Risotto Recipe. It’s wonderfully creamy, bursting with delicate lemony brightness, and comes together with no complicated steps or fancy techniques. Whether you’re cooking for friends or treating yourself, this risotto combines comfort and elegance in a bowl — all in about an hour from start to finish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Simple Lemon Risotto Recipe, the ingredients are delightfully straightforward yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that rich, silky texture and fresh citrus flavor. From the earthy broth to the zest of fresh lemon and creamy Parmesan, every element adds depth and vibrance.

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or stock): This is your risotto’s base, lending warmth and savoriness as it slowly absorbs into the rice.
• 2 tablespoons butter, plus more for serving: Butter adds luscious creaminess and helps soften the onions perfectly.
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped: Provides a gentle sweetness and foundation of flavor when sautéed.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: For a fragrant, subtle kick that complements the lemon beautifully.
• 1 cup uncooked arborio rice: The star ingredient that absorbs all those lovely flavors while giving risotto its iconic creamy texture.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: The bright, zesty heart of the dish, refreshing the palate with every bite.
• 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and a hint of earthiness.
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Parmesan melts into the risotto for a savory, nutty finish.
• Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors into balance.

How to Make Simple Lemon Risotto Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Broth

Begin by warming your broth in a saucepan until it’s almost boiling. Keeping it warm is key because adding hot broth to the rice helps the grains cook evenly and absorb flavors slowly for that signature risotto creaminess.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook gently until it’s translucent and soft, around 5 to 7 minutes. This slow cooking helps release the onion’s natural sweetness, creating a rich flavor base.

Step 3: Toast the Garlic and Rice

Add the minced garlic and arborio rice to the pan. Stir constantly for about 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted and coated in butter. This step builds a toasty, nutty layer of flavor before the liquid is introduced.

Step 4: Gradually Add Broth

Pour warm broth into the rice one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each addition to fully absorb before adding the next. This slow absorption technique breaks down the starches in the rice, yielding the creamy texture risotto is famous for. Keep this up for about 25 to 30 minutes, adjusting heat as needed so the rice cooks gently without drying out.

Step 5: Add Lemon and Herbs

Once the rice is tender with a slight bite to it, stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. The lemon juice brightens the whole dish, giving it a refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with the creamy richness.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan

Remove the risotto from heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. This melts into the risotto, creating a velvety and savory finish. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste, then serve immediately while it’s warm and luscious.

How to Serve Simple Lemon Risotto Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top makes this risotto feel even more indulgent. You can also add a small pat of butter to melt over the warm dish for that extra glossy richness. Fresh parsley or a few thin slices of lemon zest add a bright, attractive finish that will impress anyone at the table.

Side Dishes

This Simple Lemon Risotto Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like mixed greens tossed with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or seared scallops complement the creamy citrus risotto beautifully without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, try serving the risotto in shallow bowls topped with microgreens or edible flowers. You can also spoon it into hollowed-out lemon halves or small ramekins for an elegant touch that’s perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover risotto, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The creamy texture will thicken in the fridge, but don’t worry, it’s still delicious and easy to refresh before serving again.

Freezing

While risotto is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, so reheating with a little extra broth or water helps bring back the creaminess.

Reheating

Gently reheat the risotto on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth, milk, or water to loosen the texture. This method prevents it from drying out and restores the silky smoothness that makes this Simple Lemon Risotto Recipe so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I make this risotto vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavor will still be vibrant and satisfying, thanks to the lemon and Parmesan.

What makes arborio rice special for risotto?

Arborio rice is a short-grain variety packed with starch, which breaks down during cooking to create the creamy texture risotto is famous for. Other rice types won’t give you that perfect consistency.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While fresh lemon juice offers the brightest, freshest flavor, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust according to taste as it can sometimes be more acidic.

Is it okay if I don’t stir constantly?

Frequent stirring helps release the rice’s starches, giving risotto its creamy texture. It’s best to stir regularly, but you don’t have to be tied to the stove constantly—just keep an eye on it and stir often enough so it doesn’t stick or dry out.

How can I make my risotto more lemony?

If you want extra lemon zing, add a bit of lemon zest along with the juice in the final steps. A little zest adds a lovely aromatic citrus note that brightens every bite.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Lemon Risotto Recipe feels like a little celebration on a plate—a beautiful blend of creamy comfort and bright citrus that’s surprisingly easy to make. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become your go-to when you want something special without fuss. So go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve that warm, zesty scoop of deliciousness today!

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