Risotto is the perfect dish to serve on cooler nights. The classic Italian dish is a blank canvas that can spark your creativity, and these creamy risotto recipes will inspire you!

Risotto is a hearty, creamy, comforting dish that may very well be the ultimate comfort food. (It is to me, at least!) Despite its chic (and sometimes fussy) reputation, risotto isn’t hard to make at all and can even be achieved on a weeknight. Keep staples such as high-quality risotto rice (Arborio, Carnaroli, and Vialone Nano all work), broth, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on hand, and you’ll always be minutes away from a heart-warming bowl of unbelievably creamy risotto.

What I love the most about basic, creamy risotto is that it is a deliciously blank canvas just waiting for what you will contribute to the final dish. What you dream up is only limited by your imagination!

I love to play with risotto, and over the years, I’ve come up with many risotto recipes based on what’s in season, what’s in the freezer, or what I’m craving—and you can do the same.

During cooler seasons, I love experimenting with sturdy greens like kale and Swiss chard and pair them with crunchy walnuts or a spicy sausage. And my Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage may be the ultimate winter risotto dish!

You can incorporate so many delicious vegetables into creamy risotto recipes: wild mushrooms, pumpkin, leeks, tomatoes—you can even be adventurous and add diced apple to the dish!

At its core, risotto is a vegetarian dish, but you can make it vegan or add the protein of your choice, from salmon to sausage.

If you want to take your risotto adventures to the next level, you can try making homemade Arancini (Sicilian Rice Balls). These cheesy, gooey bites are the most delicious way to use leftover risotto. My recipe will guide you through the process step by step.

Whatever your craving, a perfect risotto dish is just waiting for you. These 12 comforting, creamy risotto recipes are sure to fuel your inspiration!

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1. Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto with Brown Butter & Sage

by Food Nouveau

This rich, comforting, and utterly delicious Butternut Squash Risotto showcases a favorite Italian flavor trio—brown butter, squash, and sage—in a creative, memorable way.

2. Pumpkin Risotto

by 2 Cookin Mamas

This pumpkin risotto is filled with sweet, slightly nutty flavors that pair perfectly with the umami of the sauteed mushrooms and the saltiness of the Parmesan cheese. This is a dish that looks spectacular but is breezy to make.

3. Creamy Tomato Risotto

by The Bella Vita

This tomato risotto recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dishes. With just a handful of ingredients, you will be amazed at how easy it is to create a dish full of Italian flavors.

4. Garlic Risotto

by Zerby Plants

This garlic risotto is the ultimate creamy delicious dinner—and it’s vegan! Made to be the star of the show (but also works as a fabulous side dish), this garlic herb risotto is ready in 25-30 minutes and is packed with flavor.

5. Wild Mushroom Risotto

by Food Nouveau

This ultra-creamy wild mushroom risotto highlights the wonderfully earthy flavor of mushrooms thanks to a clever, easy trick: dry cooking. Give this technique a try and make the very best mushroom risotto you’ve ever had!

6. Broiled Cauliflower Risotto

Food Nouveau

This cauliflower risotto might be the most comforting dish after mac & cheese. It’s rich and cheesy, and the chili kick makes it stand out!

7. Fennel and Leek Risotto

by Mangia Bedda

This simple, but rich and creamy fennel and leek risotto might be one of the best variations on classic risotto you’ll ever try! The mellow sweet flavors of fennel and leeks pair perfectly with the buttery, nutty flavors of Parmigiano and Fontina cheeses to create this comforting dish.

8. Kale and Walnut Pesto Risotto

by Food Nouveau

This kale and walnut pesto risotto is a satisfying meal that won’t hold you out for long in the kitchen. Add cooked meat toward the end of the cooking time for a heartier dish—or don’t if you want to keep it simple—and then stir in aromatic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to finish the dish.

9. Sautéed Shrimp Risotto with Tomato Butter Sauce

by Familystyle Food

This saucy, umami-full shrimp risotto recipe is seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and a tomato butter sauce. The pan-seared shrimp cook separately for maximum flavor, then they’re served on top of creamy Parmesan risotto infused with a 10-minute shrimp stock. With step-by-step directions based on a classic risotto, this is truly a date-night or restaurant-level dish you can easily make at home.

10. Salmon Risotto

by Maple and Mango

This colorful salmon risotto recipe is easy to make and absolutely delicious. Whether it’s a weeknight meal, dinner party, or date night, this salmon risotto is a simple, elegant option for any occasion. This recipe includes step-by-step instructions for both stovetop and the Instant Pot (pressure cooker).

11. Sausage Risotto with Swiss Chard

by Food Nouveau

This sausage risotto has a rich flavor underlined by the earthiness of bitter greens. This hearty dish is guaranteed to warm you up on cool nights!

12. Creamy Leek, Apple, and Brie Risotto

by Pineapple & Coconut

Apples and brie go so well together, why not use this classic ingredient combo in a new, creative way? This creamy brie risotto is garnished with caramelized apples and leeks, and topped with toasted walnuts and fresh thyme. This conversation-starting dish is filled with elegant flavors and textures.

BONUS: How to Make Arancini (Sicilian Rice Balls)

Learn how to make Arancini, the irresistible Sicilian finger food: fried rice balls stuffed with meat sauce. Helpful step-by-step pictures included!