A delicious side, or a main meal – this creamy Lemon Spinach Risotto is packed with flavor and super easy to make. Adults AND kids love it!
I don’t think I’ve ever met a risotto I didn’t like. I mean, really – what’s not to love? It’s a super yummy side dish! Quite honestly, anytime I’ve made this – it’s been the main event, with the grilled chicken or whatever I make with it firmly in second place.
Making risotto isn’t difficult, but it does need you to be hands on while you’re cooking. No special equipment needed – just get your ingredients together, and cook!!
I make this while cooking other things, usually grilling chicken – because I’m at the stove already, so may as well, right? I also quite like drinking a glass of wine while I cook – some for me, some for the risotto – brilliant.
A delicious side, or a main meal – this creamy Lemon Spinach Risotto is packed with flavor and super easy to make. Adults AND kids love it!Click To Tweet
See what I mean? Terribly hard to resist digging in with your fork!!
I like to make this on a weeknight, or for a weekend lunch (if we’re feeling particularly hungry). The lemon zest is absolutely key to this, it pairs perfectly with the spinach, and when you add the creamy, salty parmesan, it’s a beautiful balance.
Simple ingredients (I forgot the butter in this pic, but you can easily just use olive oil).
So. What do you think??
Kylee’s notes for Creamy Lemon Spinach Risotto
- Add some protein to make it a complete dinner – grilled chicken, or pork chops make a great accompaniment. Grilled fish filets would be good too!
- Use chicken stock if that is what you have (but it won’t be a vegetarian dish)
- This is fantastic reheated – make a full batch for 2 and eat leftovers for lunch
Want more easy sides? Of course you do!
A delicious side, or a main meal – this creamy Lemon Spinach Risotto is packed with flavor and super easy to make. Adults AND kids love it!
- 5 cups vegetable stock
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 1 Tbs butter
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- ½ cup dry white wine optional
- Salt and pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tsp fresh lemon rind
- 7 oz fresh baby spinach leaves
- Shaved parmesan
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Heat your stock in a saucepan and keep it simmering while you cook.
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Over medium high heat the oil and butter in a large skillet or saucepan, and cook the onion until it softens (do not brown).
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Add the garlic, cook for 30 seconds, then add the rice.
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Mix thoroughly to ensure the rice is fully coated in the oil/butter.
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Add the wine (if using), if not, use some of the stock.
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Allow the stock to absorb into the rice, then add stock by the ladle full (about half a cup at a time), allowing the stock to absorb before adding more, stirring frequently.
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Continue adding stock until it’s all gone – then add the lemon juice.
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Taste, then season with salt and pepper.
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Remove from the heat, and mix in the lemon rind and the spinach, and let the spinach wilt.
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Grate fresh parmesan over the top.
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Devour.
- Add some protein to make it a complete dinner – grilled chicken, or pork chops make a great accompaniment. Grilled fish filets would be good too!
- Use chicken stock if that is what you have (but it won’t be a vegetarian dish)
- This is fantastic reheated – make a full batch for 2 and eat leftovers for lunch!
Kate says
I love a good risotto, but it’s weekend fare for me because of the time involved!
Danielle says
Who doesn’t love risotto? It’s just so delicious and comforting. yeah, it takes a little time, but I always find it to be totally worth it. I envision serving this with some seared scallops. I’m starting to drool already.
Claudia Lamascolo says
I reallly love spinach and never thought to add it to rice before for risotto. I will have to try this out it sure would be a pretty addition for Christmas dinner with those colors! 🙂
April says
I can literally feel the flavor that this risotto is packed with – from the iamges. They look amazing by the way! I am sure this will be a perfect dish for my next party.
Jenni LeBaron says
It’s been a really long time since I’ve had risotto and I am now fully craving it. This recipe looks lovely and tasty!
Lauren Vavala says
I just love lemon in risotto! The spinach is a nice addition – delicious!
Michelle says
Risotto is one of my favorite go to dishes when I’m dining out. Yours looks so creamy and delicious!
Dan Zehr says
Wow and wow, this creamy Lemon Spinach Risotto is so delicious and it makes my mouth watering. My whole family would go crazy for these! Love Love Love this recipe! I’m sure these tastes are amazing! So YUMMY!
Marisa Franca says
Risotto has always been a favorite in our home. I was a tiny tot and appreciated the wonderful risottos my mamma made. I like how you added the lemon to add to the freshness. It really compliments the risotto and the spinach.
Veena Azmanov says
I love risotto but my kids have not warmed up to it yet. I love how refreshing this lemon and spinach looks. So simple and easy.
swathi says
That is really flavorful risotto kids will love it, Lemon and spinach make it more delicious. I am going to give it try.
Denay DeGuzman says
This spinach risotto looks amazing! I love all of these tasty ingredients. Mmmm…this is a perfect side dish for the holiday table.