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    Home » Italy

    What To Serve with Risotto

    Published on Feb 2, 2023 Modified: Feb 3, 2023 by Alexandria Drzazgowski.

    Risotto is a delicious creamy Italian rice dish that requires patience to perfect, but once you have the technique down, you can easily make it a main meal by pairing it with protein and veggies. Here are 19 ideas of what to serve with risotto.

    Spoonful of Parmesan risotto over a bowlful of the creamy risotto.

    Risotto is a beautiful rice dish that is made with simple ingredients like rice, butter and parmesan cheese, but prepared in a way that elevates it to a restaurant-quality dish. 

    Some people get nervous about attempting to make creamy risotto for the first time. This is because it takes a little patience and the right technique to get just the right texture and rich flavor out of the recipe. 

    Risotto requires chefs to keep the dish at just the right temperature, stirring just often enough and adding just the right amount of hot stock or wine to the pan. Trip up any of these steps and you may find yourself with a gluey mess. 

    The good news is with the right technique, great risotto is a surprisingly easy dish to prepare. And once you have made it once, you won’t have to feel intimidated any longer and you can begin to explore the possibilities.

    Risotto is a popular part of Italian cuisine because of its incredible flavor and versatility. Once you have the base of this creamy rice dish done, it pairs so perfectly with a wide variety of vegetables and proteins. It can be served as a delicious side dish or take center stage as the main dish. Mushroom risotto, shrimp risotto, parmesan risotto–the options are endless.

    If you are excited about perfecting your own hearty risotto meal at home and need a few tasty side dishes to make it a complete meal, you have come to the right place. Here are a few of my favorite recipes to serve with risotto.

    Jump to:
    • FAQs
    • Favorite Recipes
    • Expert Tips
    • What to Serve With Risotto
    • Recipes to Serve with Risotto
    • Roasted Asparagus and Carrots
    • Tuscan Kale Salad
    • Roasted Lemon Chicken
    • Sautéed Rapini 
    • Roasted Zucchini
    • Ciabatta Garlic Bread
    • Marinated Tomatoes with Basil
    • Sesame Spinach Salad
    • Cucumber Tomato Salad
    • Arugula Lentil Salad
    • Italian Stuffed Mushrooms
    • Baked Lemon Chicken
    • Pan Seared Scallops with Garlic
    • Bruschetta with Mozzarella
    • Sauteed Leeks and Peas
    • Air Fryer Salmon Steaks
    • Italian Beef Braciole
    • Easy Crusty French Baguette

    FAQs

    What is the Best Rice for Risotto?

    Risotto is traditionally made with arborio rice or carnaroli rice. This is a short-grain rice that has a lot of starch to it. This starch is important to the dish because as the rice cooks, it releases the starch and creates a creamy consistency–without any cream being added.

    Long grain white rice will not produce the same result as arborio because it is less sticky and contains less starch, producing rice that is fluffy and not chewy.

    What is the Correct Consistency for Risotto?

    Risotto is creamy and chewy. Risotto should be thin enough to require a ladle or spoon to serve it but thick enough that it won’t run all over the plate. In general it should have the consistency of thick porridge. 

    When you run a spoon through cooked risotto, it should leave a clear path in the pot for just a moment before filling back in. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

    Should the Stock be Hot or Cold for Risotto? 

    Risotto cooks slowly but while it cooks you need to keep adding small amounts of stock. It is important to add stock that is at the same temperature as your dish. Otherwise, you will disturb the cooking that is happening and end up with risotto that is not cooked evenly. 

    You can ensure your stock is kept at the correct temperature by keeping it in a separate pot on the stove next to your risotto, simmering at a low heat until you need it, and then transferring ladles of hot stock from one pot to the other during the cooking process.

    Should I Stir My Risotto Constantly? 

    Risotto does require a good amount of stirring to release some of the starch in the rice, but you do not want to stir it constantly while it cooks. My best advice is to stir your risotto each time you add stock to the pot. Stir until it is incorporated, about 25 seconds, and then let it rest. 

    Too much stirring will add air to your dish and also release more starch, making your risotto gluey. To avoid gluey risotto, be careful how much you stir.

    When Should I Add the Cheese into my Parmesan Risotto? 

    Cooked cheese tends to separate and become greasy, where melted cheese will become creamy and delicious. You do not want to cook your cheese along with the rice but add it at the end, allowing it to melt into the dish.

    The cheese helps to thicken the dish, so you want to add the cheese while there is still some liquid in the pot.

    Do you Cook Risotto Covered or Uncovered?

    Risotto should be cooked uncovered so you can keep an eye on the dish and stir as needed. You want the liquid to evaporate as it cooks so you can continually add more to the pot.

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    Favorite Recipes

    Two bowls of Parmesan risotto with a small bowl of parmesan cheese next to them.
    1. My Parmesan Risotto recipe has all the tips and tricks you need to prepare perfect risotto every time! 
    2. This Tomato-Basil Risotto from Iowa Girl Eats is proof of how versatile this dish is. There are so many different ways to use fresh herbs and make a risotto dinner everyone can love.
    3. This Lemon Herb Risotto from Salt and Lavender is an excellent vegetarian option when you trade out chicken broth for vegetable broth.

    Expert Tips

    Spoonful of parmesan risotto laying in a bowl.
    • If you want to add vegetables or protein to your risotto, wait until it is fully cooked before incorporating it. Adding too many ingredients to your risotto too soon will mess with the chemistry of the recipe and may not turn out well.
    • Adding the stock to your risotto slowly is what allows the creamy texture to happen. Adding too much stock at one time will make your rice fluffy but not as creamy. 
    • Risotto is cooked at a low and slow simmer. Trying to rush it will result in rice that is burnt and unevenly cooked. Take your time and keep your temperature as even as possible throughout the process.

    What to Serve With Risotto

    Protein: Shrimp, chicken breast, steak, salmon, cod, pork chops, crispy chicken thighs, prime rib, crispy soy tofu

    Vegetables: Peas, mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, red onion

    Sides: Green salad, garlic bread, French bread, sweet potatoes, arugula salad, caprese salad, spinach salad

    Recipes to Serve with Risotto

    Spinach salad topped with bacon, cheese, and poppyseed dressing.
    This salad is actually one of my very favorite dishes on this planet. It’s made with spinach and topped with crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese. On top goes a Poppy Seed Dressing that is delightfully sweet and just a tiny bit creamy. If you’re not licking your plate (literally) by the time your salad is gone, I’ll be very surprised!
    Read More

    Roasted Asparagus and Carrots

    Plateful of roasted asparagus and carrots.

    This recipe for simple Roasted Asparagus and Carrots (from Marley’s Menu) makes for the perfect, healthy, 30-minute side dish to accompany any main dish.

    Read More

    Tuscan Kale Salad

    Tuscan kale salad in a large serving bowl.

    This Tuscan kale salad recipe (from Foodworthfeed) is super simple, and absolute addicting. Shaved kale is tossed in a healthy Parmesan and tahini dressing and piled high with toasty lemon breadcrumbs.

    Read More

    Roasted Lemon Chicken

    Roasted lemon chicken on a serving plate with lemon wedges for garnish.

    Roasted lemon chicken (from What A Girl Eats) is one of the easiest recipes ever. Everyone should know how to make a basic roasted chicken. This is the Italian version, Pollo Al Limone. These days too many recipes are just a competition to see who can add the most ingredients. Just three simple ingredient produce the moistest and most flavorful chicken ever.

    Read More

    Sautéed Rapini 

    Sauteed rapini with a fork laying in it on a colorful plate.

    Sautéed rapini (from Christina’s Cucina) is a simple side dish of Italian style broccoli. It is very nutritious, a tiny bit bitter, and definitely one of my favorite green vegetables. Use it in pasta and polenta dishes, too!

    Read More

    Roasted Zucchini

    Roasted zucchini slices on a plate with a fork laying next to it.

    This Roasted Zucchini Recipe (from The Forked Spoon) is so delicious and so easy to make. Ready in about 20 minutes, fresh zucchini squash is tossed with olive oil, simple seasonings, and grated parmesan cheese then roasted in the oven until tender. The perfect weeknight side dish.

    Read More

    Ciabatta Garlic Bread

    Garlic ciabatta bread slices.

    Ciabatta Garlic Bread (from Marcellina in Cucina) is absolutely the best side ever and you won’t believe how easy it is to make at home!

    Read More

    Marinated Tomatoes with Basil

    Marinated tomatoes with basil.

    Marinated tomatoes (from Budget Delicious) are the perfect summer side dish. Marinated tomato salad is so simple to prepare and goes perfect with grilled foods and tastes great on its own. You’ll want to keep a bowl of this sliced tomato salad in your fridge all summer long. 

    Read More

    Sesame Spinach Salad

    Sesame spinach salad in a bowl.

    You will love this easy and nutty Sesame Spinach Salad Recipe (from Recipes From A Pantry). It is healthy and makes a perfect side for any dinner, potluck, BBQ and lunch.

    Read More

    Cucumber Tomato Salad

    A spoon inside a bowl of cucumber tomato salad.

    This Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe (from Recipes From A Pantry) is a flavourful low carb side dish that is perfect for quick and easy midweek meals.

    Read More

    Arugula Lentil Salad

    Arugula lentil salad.

    Arugula Lentil Salad (from Hurry The Food Up) with easy to find ingredients. It’s simple, tasty, vegan and really healthy!

    Read More

    Italian Stuffed Mushrooms

    Close up of Italian stuffed mushrooms with a parsley leaf garnished on top of one.

    An easy holiday side dish or appetizer, these Italian stuffed mushrooms (from Lynn’s Way of Life) are full of parsley, garlic, parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs. This recipe features meaty cremini mushrooms, but this recipe works with classic button mushrooms as well!

    Read More

    Baked Lemon Chicken

    Baked lemon chicken slices in a cast iron pan alongside asparagus with lemon slices.

    Tender baked lemon chicken (from I Heart Naptime) coated in a flavorful lemon butter sauce. An easy 30-minute meal that requires only 7 simple ingredients!

    Read More

    Pan Seared Scallops with Garlic

    Pan seared scallops with garlic sauce over the tops.

    Learn how to sear scallops in just 10 minutes! This EASY pan fried sea scallops recipe (from Wholesome Yum) has a perfect golden crust and savory garlic butter sauce.

    Read More

    Bruschetta with Mozzarella

    Bruschetta with mozzarella topped over crostinis on a serving plate.

    This bruschetta with mozzarella (from Rich and Delish) is the most perfect appetizer to serve for any occasion! It is light, fresh, easy to make, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser!

    Read More

    Sauteed Leeks and Peas

    Bowl of sauteed leeks and peas.

    Leeks are one of my favourite veg, and this recipe for sautéed leeks and peas (from Cinnamon & Kale) is one of the nicest ways to enjoy them. Both vegetables are naturally quite sweet, and complement each other really well. And it’s a great way to sneak 2 veggies onto your plate!

    Read More

    Air Fryer Salmon Steaks

    An air fryer salmon steak on a plate with cooked veggies.

    This Air Fryer Salmon Steak recipe (from Savory Thoughts) is inspired by Asian flavors. It’s the perfect healthy dinner recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes with only a few ingredients.

    Read More

    Italian Beef Braciole

    Plateful of italian beef braciole.

    This beef braciole recipe (from An Edible Mosaic) is a spin off the beautiful classic Italian dish: rolled and stuffed steak that’s slow-cooked with tomato sauce to tender perfection. Instead of a more traditional breadcrumb mixture, we stuff it with a cheesy, garlicky, spinach filling.

    Read More

    Easy Crusty French Baguette

    Easy crusty french baguette on a wooden cutting board with a few slices cut off.

    This Easy Crusty French Baguette (from Served from Scratch) is simple enough to be made at home but tastes just like you bought it at your local bakery!

    Read More
    Pinterest image of what to serve with risotto with a collage of 5 recipe photos.

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