20 Easy and Elegant Risotto Recipes for Valentine's Day You’ll Love
You're looking for a romantic dish to impress your loved one on Valentine's Day. Risotto is a great choice, offering rich flavors and elegant presentations.
You'll find 20 easy recipes to try, from classic Parmesan to luxurious Lobster and Saffron. Which one will you choose?
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1. Classic Parmesan Risotto
Creamy classic Parmesan Risotto, a perfect Italian dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth, warmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the white wine and cook until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.
- Add 1/2 cup of warmed chicken broth to the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Repeat step 6, adding the broth in 1/2 cup increments, until all the broth is used and the rice is cooked and creamy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
2. Mushroom and Truffle Risotto
Indulge in a rich and earthy Mushroom and Truffle Risotto perfect for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups mixed mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons truffle oil
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the mushrooms until tender.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the white wine and cook until absorbed, stirring constantly.
- Add 1/2 cup of vegetable broth to the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until absorbed.
- Repeat step 4 until all the broth is used, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the truffle oil and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
3. Seafood Risotto With Garlic Shrimp
Indulge in a romantic seafood risotto with succulent garlic shrimp.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups fish stock, warmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the chicken stock in a separate pot and keep warm.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the rice is coated in oil and slightly toasted.
- Add the white wine and cook until the liquid is almost completely absorbed, stirring constantly.
- Add 1/2 cup of the warmed stock to the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Repeat the process, adding the stock in 1/2 cup increments, and waiting for it to be absorbed before adding more.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the garlic shrimp by sautéing the shrimp in butter until pink and cooked through.
- When the rice is cooked and creamy, stir in the cooked garlic shrimp and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
4. Creamy Asparagus and Prosciutto Risotto
Creamy Asparagus and Prosciutto Risotto is a romantic dish perfect for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 6 slices prosciutto, chopped
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the white wine and cook until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.
- Add 1/2 cup of warmed broth to the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Repeat step 6, adding the broth in 1/2 cup increments, until the rice is cooked and creamy.
- While the rice is cooking, blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, or until tender.
- Add the chopped prosciutto to the rice and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the risotto immediately, topped with the blanched asparagus.
5. Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto
Creamy risotto with roasted butternut squash and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh sage leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and roast for 45 minutes, or until tender.
- Scoop the roasted squash flesh into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is coated in oil and slightly toasted.
- Add the white wine and cook until the liquid is almost completely absorbed, stirring constantly.
- Add 1/2 cup of warmed broth to the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Repeat the process, adding the broth in 1/2 cup increments, and waiting for it to be absorbed before adding more.
- When the rice is cooked and creamy, stir in the roasted squash puree and grated parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh sage leaves if desired.
6. Spinach and Feta Risotto
Creamy spinach and feta risotto, a perfect Valentine's Day dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup white wine
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the rice is coated in oil and slightly toasted.
- Add the white wine and cook until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.
- Add 1/2 cup of warmed broth to the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Repeat step 5, adding the broth in 1/2 cup increments, and waiting for it to be absorbed before adding more.
- When the rice is cooked and creamy, stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese.
- Season the risotto with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
7. Lobster and Saffron Risotto
Indulge in a romantic lobster and saffron risotto this Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups fish stock, warmed
- 2 tablespoons saffron threads
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lobster tail, cooked and diced
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the rice is coated in oil and slightly toasted.
- Add the white wine and cook until the liquid is almost completely absorbed, stirring constantly.
- Add 1/2 cup of warmed fish stock to the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Repeat step 5, adding the stock in 1/2 cup increments, until the rice is cooked and creamy.
- Stir in the saffron threads, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- When the rice is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Add the cooked lobster tail to the risotto and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
8. Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
Creamy chicken and mushroom risotto perfect for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 8 oz mushrooms
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the chicken broth in a separate pot and keep warm.
- Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the white wine and cook until absorbed.
- Add 1/2 cup of warm chicken broth to the rice and stir until absorbed.
- Repeat step 5 until all the broth is used.
- Sauté the mushrooms in a separate pan until tender.
- Add the chicken breast to the mushroom pan and cook until done.
- Combine the cooked chicken and mushrooms with the risotto.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
9. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Risotto
Creamy risotto infused with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the rice is coated in oil and slightly toasted.
- Add the white wine and cook until the liquid is almost completely absorbed, stirring constantly.
- Add 1/2 cup of the vegetable broth to the rice and stir until absorbed, repeat this process until all the broth is used.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and chopped basil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
10. Risotto With Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese
Rich and creamy risotto with caramelized onions and blue cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion
- 2 cups arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and caramelize the onion for 20 minutes.
- Add arborio rice to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add 1 cup of vegetable broth to the skillet and stir until absorbed.
- Repeat step 3 until all broth is used, stirring constantly.
- Stir in blue cheese until melted and well combined.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
11. Pan-Seared Scallop Risotto
Pan-Seared Scallop Risotto is a romantic and decadent dish for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups fish broth, warmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 large scallops
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the scallops until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Arborio rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the rice in oil and mix with the onion and garlic.
- Add the white wine to the skillet, stirring constantly until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.
- Add 1/2 cup of the warmed broth to the rice mixture, stirring constantly until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Repeat step 7, adding the broth in 1/2 cup increments, until the rice is cooked and creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
- When the rice is cooked, stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Season the risotto with salt and pepper to taste, then serve with the seared scallops on top and garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
12. Lemon and Herb Risotto
A revitalizing and light risotto infused with lemon and herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the broth and keep warm.
- Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the white wine and cook until absorbed.
- Add the broth one cup at a time, stirring constantly.
- After 20 minutes of cooking, stir in lemon zest and juice.
- Season with salt, pepper, and chopped herbs.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
13. Wild Mushroom and Leek Risotto
Creamy risotto with earthy wild mushrooms and leeks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion
- 2 leeks
- 2 cups mixed wild mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the chicken broth in a separate pot and keep warm.
- Sauté the onion and leeks in olive oil until softened.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the white wine and cook until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.
- Add 1/2 cup of warm broth to the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until absorbed.
- Repeat step 5 until all the broth is used, stirring constantly.
- Sauté the mushrooms and garlic in butter until tender.
- Combine the cooked rice and mushroom mixture, and stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
14. Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Risotto
Creamy risotto with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
- After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in crumbled goat cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves.
15. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Risotto
Smoked salmon and cream cheese risotto is a rich, creamy dish perfect for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups fish stock, warmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 8 ounces smoked salmon, flaked
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and cook the onion until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly toasted.
- Add the white wine and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add 1/2 cup of warmed fish stock to the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid has been absorbed.
- Repeat step 5, adding the stock in 1/2 cup increments, until all the stock has been used and the rice is tender.
- Stir in the smoked salmon, cream cheese, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.
16. Roasted Vegetable Risotto
Creamy risotto with roasted vegetables, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed roasted vegetables
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the mixed vegetables for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, until coated in oil and slightly toasted.
- Add the white wine and cook until the liquid is almost completely absorbed, stirring constantly.
- Add 1/2 cup of the vegetable broth to the rice and stir until absorbed, repeating this process until all the broth is used.
- Stir in the roasted vegetables and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
17. Sausage and Pepper Risotto
Sausage and pepper risotto is a hearty Italian dish perfect for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, sliced
- 2 large bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage and cook, browning on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the browned sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the white wine and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.
- Add 1/2 cup of the chicken broth to the skillet and stir until mostly absorbed.
- Repeat step 8, adding the broth in 1/2 cup increments, and waiting for it to be absorbed before adding more.
- After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in the basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked sausage and diced peppers to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Serve the risotto hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
18. Broccoli and Cheddar Risotto
Creamy broccoli and cheddar risotto perfect for a Valentine's Day dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth, warmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the rice is coated in oil and slightly toasted.
- Add the white wine and cook until the liquid is almost completely absorbed, stirring constantly.
- Add 1/2 cup of warmed chicken broth to the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Repeat step 5, adding the broth in 1/2 cup increments, and waiting for it to be absorbed before adding more.
- After 20-25 minutes of cooking, the rice should be tender and creamy.
- Stir in the butter and cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
- Add the broccoli florets to the rice and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
19. Prosciutto and Arugula Risotto
A creamy Prosciutto and Arugula Risotto perfect for a romantic evening.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 slices prosciutto, chopped
- 4 cups arugula
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat chicken broth in a separate pot and keep warm.
- Sauté chopped prosciutto in olive oil until crispy, then set aside.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly toasted.
- Add white wine and cook until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.
- Add 1/2 cup of warm broth to the rice and stir until absorbed, repeating this process until all broth is used.
- Stir in chopped arugula and cook until wilted.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve with crispy prosciutto on top.
20. Mushroom and Barolo Wine Risotto
Rich and creamy risotto with mushroom and Barolo wine.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups mixed mushrooms
- 1/2 cup Barolo wine
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
- Add Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add Barolo wine and cook until liquid is almost completely absorbed.
- Add 1/2 cup of vegetable broth and cook, stirring constantly, until liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Repeat step 4, adding broth in 1/2 cup increments, until all broth is used and rice is cooked.
- In a separate skillet, sauté mixed mushrooms with thyme until tender.
- Stir cooked mushrooms into risotto and season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Conclusion
You'll love these 20 easy and elegant risotto recipes for Valentine's Day. Notably, 70% of couples consider cooking a romantic dinner together a great way to bond. With these recipes, you can create a memorable evening, from Classic Parmesan to creamy Asparagus and Prosciutto risottos, making your Valentine's Day truly special.