Risotto Primavera
Risotto, a classic Italian favorite known for its creamy texture, is made even more delightful with the addition of crisp, fresh spring vegetables. It’s a perfect blend of the comforting arborio rice with the fresh, vibrant flavors of the season’s produce. Here I served this easy Risotto Primavera as a vegetarian main dish but you can also halve the recipe and portion to serve as a side dish with fish, chicken breast, seafood, and more. For more simple risotto recipes, try my Instant Pot Risotto with Prosciutto and Peas and Spring Asparagus Risotto.
What is risotto primavera made of?
Ingredients: (See exact amounts in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.)
Broth: Use homemade or store-bought chicken or vegetable broth. I have this homemade chicken broth recipe if you want to make your own. Olive Oil to sauté the onion and garlic in Rice: Risotto is typically made from arborio rice, a short-grain Italian rice. Wine: Use a good-quality dry white wine, like pinot grigio or chardonnay. Vegetables: Primavera risotto wouldn’t be complete without a mix of spring veggies. I use zucchini, thawed, frozen peas, asparagus, and cherry or grape tomatoes. Salt seasons the vegetables Basil adds freshness and color. Butter: Stir in a little butter at the end for extra creaminess. Cheese: Mix in grated Pecorino Romano and sprinkle some on top before serving. Pepper: Top the risotto primavera with freshly ground black pepper.
How to Make Risotto Primavera
Variations
For extra flavor, add diced pancetta with the onions. Liquid: Use water instead of broth. Wine: If you don’t drink wine, omit it and use more broth. Onion: Sub red onion or shallots. Zucchini: Swap zucchini with yellow squash. Herbs: Substitute dill or tarragon. Cheese: Replace Pecorino with Parmigiano Reggiano. For more protein, add chicken to this risotto primavera.
What to Serve with Risotto Primavera
This healthy risotto primavera recipe is a beautiful spring side dish or vegetarian main entrée. If you want to serve this as a side dish, it would go great with:
Seafood: Breaded Shrimp, Parmesan-Herb Baked Salmon, Air Fryer Shrimp, Fish Cakes Poultry and Meat: Grilled Chicken, Filet Mignon, Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Storage
Since the vegetarian risotto primavera contains no meat, leftovers will keep in the fridge for 5 days. Microwave it for about a minute until warm or heat it on the stove. If the rice has dried out, you may need to add a splash of broth or water.
More Risotto Recipes You’ll Love
Scallops over Wilted Spinach Parmesan Risotto Mushroom Risotto Butternut Squash Risotto Carrot Rice Leek Risotto with Bacon Quinoa Risotto
