Creamy Oven-Baked Risotto with Parmesan
Discover the delightful ease of making risotto in the oven with this Creamy Oven-Baked Risotto recipe. Traditional risotto requires constant stirring, but this method allows you to enjoy the same creamy texture and rich flavors with minimal effort. Infused with aromatic onions, savory chicken broth, and the optional splash of white wine, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for a touch of elegance. Gather your loved ones around the table and share this comforting and delicious dish!
4
Servings
165
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (None)
Finely chopped onion
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Arborio rice
3/4 cup (None)
Dry white wine
1/4 cup (Optional - Chosen to enhance flavor)
Hot water
2 to 2 1/4 cups (Use more water if omitting the wine)
Canned low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup (None)
Coarse salt
3/4 teaspoon (None)
Fresh ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Unsalted butter
1 tablespoon (None)
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Grated)
Fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons (Finely chopped, optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In an ovenproof saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
4
Stir in the arborio rice, coating each grain with oil and cooking for about 1 minute until just slightly toasted.
5
If using, pour in the dry white wine and allow it to cook until fully evaporated (around 1 minute). If you choose to omit the wine, skip this step.
6
Add 1 1/2 cups of hot water, chicken broth, coarse salt, and fresh ground pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
7
Once boiling, cover the pot and carefully transfer it to the preheated oven.
8
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is creamy.
9
Remove the risotto from the oven and stir in an additional 1/2 to 3/4 cup of hot water until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
10
Add the unsalted butter, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and finely chopped parsley (if using), stirring until well combined.
11
Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with extra parmesan and parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Oven-Baked Risotto with Parmesan?
It is a simplified method of making Italian risotto where the rice is cooked in the oven rather than being stirred constantly on the stovetop, resulting in a creamy texture with much less effort.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C) for optimal cooking of the Arborio rice.
Do I need to stir the risotto while it is in the oven?
No, the beauty of this oven-baked method is that it eliminates the need for constant stirring during the baking process.
What type of rice should I use for this risotto?
Arborio rice is the recommended variety because its high starch content is essential for achieving the creamy consistency characteristic of risotto.
How long does the risotto need to bake?
The risotto should bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice reaches a creamy state.
Is the white wine mandatory for this recipe?
No, the dry white wine is optional and is used to enhance flavor. If you choose to omit it, simply replace it with an equal amount of hot water.
What kind of pot is best for oven-baked risotto?
You should use an ovenproof saucepan or a Dutch oven that can safely transition from the stovetop to the oven.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe produces approximately 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 165 calories.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, although the recipe calls for chicken broth, you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting it with vegetable broth.
Why do I need to toast the rice before adding liquid?
Toasting the Arborio rice for about a minute in oil helps coat the grains and slightly toasts them, which adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps the rice maintain its structure.
How much liquid do I add before baking?
You should add 1 1/2 cups of hot water and 1/2 cup of chicken broth before putting the pot into the oven.
What should I do if the risotto isn't creamy enough after baking?
After removing it from the oven, stir in an additional 1/2 to 3/4 cup of hot water until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese and butter?
The butter and Parmesan cheese should be stirred in at the very end, after the risotto is removed from the oven and the final water adjustment is made.
What herbs are recommended for this dish?
Finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley is used to add a touch of freshness and color to the finished dish.
Should the water and broth be hot when added?
Yes, using hot liquids helps the mixture return to a boil faster on the stovetop and ensures even cooking in the oven.
How much fat is in one serving of this risotto?
One serving contains approximately 6 grams of fat.
What are the primary carbohydrates in this dish?
Each serving provides about 22.5 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the Arborio rice.
Does this recipe use low sodium chicken broth?
Yes, the recipe specifies canned low sodium chicken broth to allow for better control of the salt levels.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter to prevent the dish from becoming overly salty, especially since Parmesan cheese and broth also contain salt.
How long should I sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed for about 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.
Is this dish suitable for weeknight dinners?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed for ease and minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
How much protein does this risotto contain?
There are approximately 5 grams of protein per serving.
What happens if I don't use wine?
If you omit the wine, simply skip that step and ensure you use the slightly higher amount of hot water to maintain the correct liquid ratio.
Is it necessary to boil the mixture before baking?
Yes, you should bring the mixture to a boil on the stovetop before covering and transferring it to the oven.
How should I serve the risotto?
Serve it immediately while hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
What is the preparation for the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan should be freshly grated to ensure it melts smoothly into the rice.
Can I use this recipe for a special occasion?
Yes, the addition of white wine, Parmesan, and parsley gives it an elegant touch suitable for special events.
How much coarse salt is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of coarse salt.
What is the purpose of the olive oil?
The olive oil is used to sauté the onion and toast the rice, providing the fat base for the aromatics.