Asparagus Risotto

Classic asparagus risotto made with Arborio rice, shallots, stock, fresh asparagus, and Parmesan cheese. Serve this recipe as a springtime main dish or elegant side.

By
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Updated May 03, 2023
Elise Bauer
Asparagus Risotto in a White Bowl Plate

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

In California, winter can transition to spring in a flash. It seems like yesterday we were beset by chilly storms while the forecast for this week is all sunny and 70s.

Daffodils are blooming, as are cherry trees, and the truest test of spring—asparagus in the market—can be found for less than $2 a pound.

Asparagus Risotto in a White Bowl Plate

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

How to Make the Best Asparagus Risotto

I just couldn't resist these at the market today and cooked them up into a creamy risotto. This recipe is a classic asparagus risotto recipe.

You can easily dress it up with some lemon zest, lump crab meat, green onions, truffle salt, fresh thyme, or chopped mint.

We've made this risotto on the loose side which is why we are serving it in a bowl. When making risotto, you get to decide how loose you want it. Just stop adding liquid when the risotto gets to the consistency you like!

Chopped asparagus on a cutting board

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

More Fresh Asparagus Recipes

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Asparagus Risotto

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Servings 2 to 4 servings

This recipe serves 2 to 3 as a main dish or 4 as a side dish.

If you want to make this a vegetarian dish, use vegetable stock or water instead of chicken stock.

If you have thick asparagus spears, peel the tough skins off the stalks before slicing.

Ingredients

  • About 4 cups chicken stock, or vegetable stock for vegetarian option

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

  • 1/2 cup chopped shallots

  • 1 cup Arborio rice

  • 1/4 cup dry white wine, or 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 3 tablespoons water

  • 1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed, tips cut off, and the spears cut into thin disks

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

  1. Heat the stock:

    Heat the stock in a small saucepan until it comes to a low simmer.

  2. Cook the shallots, add rice:

    In a separate 3 or 4 quart saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon butter on medium heat. Add the shallots and cook for a minute or 2, until translucent. Add the Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes more, stirring until nicely coated.

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    Elise Bauer
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    Elise Bauer
  3. Add the wine:

    Add the white wine. Slowly stir, allowing the rice to absorb the wine.

  4. Add the stock, 1/2 cup at a time:

    Once the wine is almost completely absorbed, add 1/2 cup of hot stock to the rice. Continue to stir until the liquid is almost completely absorbed, adding more stock in 1/2 cup increments. Stir often to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

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    Elise Bauer
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    Elise Bauer

    Continue cooking and stirring rice, adding a little bit of broth at a time, cooking and stirring until it is absorbed, until the rice is tender, but still firm to the bite, about 20 to 25 minutes.

  5. Add the asparagus:

    With the last ladle of stock, add the asparagus. Stir and cook for a couple of minutes, until the risotto has absorbed the stock but is still loose and the asparagus are just cooked through.

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    Elise Bauer
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    Elise Bauer

    Simple Tip!

    Note that the stock amount given is approximate. You may need a little more or less. If you end up needing more stock and you find yourself without, just use water.

  6. Stir in the Parmesan and remaining butter and season:

    Turn off the heat. Gently stir in the Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
408 Calories
13g Fat
56g Carbs
15g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2 to 4
Amount per serving
Calories 408
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g 16%
Saturated Fat 6g 32%
Cholesterol 33mg 11%
Sodium 655mg 28%
Total Carbohydrate 56g 20%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 15g
Vitamin C 6mg 32%
Calcium 139mg 11%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 519mg 11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.