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Risotto with lemon in a bowl.

Easy, Creamy Risotto al Limone (Lemon Risotto Side Dish)

Allie Hagerty
This risotto al limone is a creamy, lemon-forward risotto made with warm stock, parmesan, and fresh citrus. Simple, balanced, and great as a side or a main.
Serves 4 as a side, 2 as a main.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course, Pasta, Side Dish
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Wooden Spoon or silicone spatula
  • ladle
  • Microplane or zester

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 small shallots finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest from 1 large lemon
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 1 large lemon
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons mascarpone
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Flaky sea salt for finishing

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, heat 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock over low heat. Keep it warm while you make the risotto.
  • In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
  • Add 1 cup Arborio rice and stir for 1–2 minutes, coating the grains until slightly translucent at the edges.
  • Pour in ½ cup dry white wine and stir until mostly absorbed.
  • Add 1 ladleful of warm stock at a time, stirring often and allowing each addition to absorb before adding more. Continue until the rice is creamy and tender with a slight bite, about 18–20 minutes.
  • Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, mascarpone, and butter. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust for salt, pepper, and add a little more lemon if you'd like!
  • Spoon into bowls and top with flaky sea salt, a drizzle of olive oil, and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Warm your stock before starting so each ladle blends smoothly into the rice.
  • Stir often but not aggressively; steady movement releases starch without breaking the grains.
  • Pull the risotto off the heat before adding butter and parmesan for the silkiest finish.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 495kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 14gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 860mgPotassium: 360mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 397IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 139mgIron: 3mg
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