Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Risotto Bake
Elevate your dining experience with this Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Risotto Bake. This dish combines the rich and creamy texture of arborio rice with the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach, aromatic garlic, and the savory kick of green bell pepper. Baked to perfection, this risotto is an effortless one-pot meal that brings comfort food to a new level. Ideal for family dinners or impressing guests, this dish can be served as a main course or a delightful side. Enjoy the blend of cheese and the nutty aroma of freshly sautéed vegetables in this satisfying meal that’s both hearty and nourishing.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
butter
2 tablespoons (none)
green bell pepper
1 small (seeded and finely chopped)
onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
garlic
2 tablespoons (fresh minced)
arborio rice
1 cup (none)
fresh spinach leaves
3 cups (none)
chicken broth
14 ounces (canned or homemade)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated, divided)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (optional, to taste)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
Lightly grease a 1-1/2-quart casserole dish with butter.
3
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.
4
Add the chopped green bell pepper, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
5
Add the arborio rice to the skillet, stirring well to coat the rice in the oil and butter mixture. Cook for an additional minute to toast the rice slightly.
6
Stir in the fresh spinach leaves, chicken broth, and approximately 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
7
Transfer the risotto mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
8
Top the risotto with the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, sprinkling it evenly over the top.
9
Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
10
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This risotto is best enjoyed warm and can be garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Risotto Bake?
It is a one-pot comfort meal combining arborio rice, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, baked until tender.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 1-1/2-quart casserole dish is required for this recipe.
What type of rice should I use for this risotto?
Arborio rice is used to achieve the signature creamy texture of risotto.
How much fresh spinach is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of fresh spinach leaves.
Is there any preparation needed for the casserole dish?
Yes, the casserole dish should be lightly greased with butter before adding the mixture.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
Sauté the green bell pepper, onion, and garlic for about 5 minutes until softened.
What should I do after adding the arborio rice to the skillet?
Stir the rice to coat it in the oil and butter mixture and cook for one minute to toast it slightly.
How much chicken broth is used?
The recipe requires 14 ounces of chicken broth, which can be canned or homemade.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed in total?
A total of 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is used, divided into two parts.
When do I add the first portion of Parmesan cheese?
Stir 1/4 cup of the cheese into the skillet with the broth and spinach before simmering.
How long should the mixture simmer on the stove?
The mixture should simmer for about 3 minutes while stirring constantly.
When do I add the remaining Parmesan cheese?
The remaining 1/4 cup of cheese is sprinkled evenly over the top of the risotto once it is in the casserole dish.
What is the total baking time?
Bake the risotto for 35 to 40 minutes.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil during the baking process.
How do I know the risotto is finished baking?
The dish is ready when the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
Should the dish rest after being removed from the oven?
Yes, let the risotto sit for a few minutes before serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains an optional pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
What kind of onion is used?
The recipe uses one medium onion that has been finely chopped.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, you can garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
What are the primary fats used for sautéing?
Two tablespoons of olive oil and two tablespoons of butter are used.
What is the preparation for the green bell pepper?
The green bell pepper should be seeded and finely chopped.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Is this considered a main course or a side dish?
It is versatile and can be served as either a hearty main course or a side dish.
Does the recipe use fresh or ground black pepper?
The recipe specifies freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What makes this risotto different from traditional stovetop risotto?
This version is baked in the oven, making it an easier, more hands-off preparation.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include Italian cuisine, comfort food, one-pot meal, and vegetarian-friendly.
Is the arborio rice toasted before baking?
Yes, it is toasted in the skillet for one minute before adding the liquids.