Baked Risotto Recipe with Parmesan and Peas

Love risotto but don’t have the patience or time to stand over the pot and stir continuously for 20 min? This easy, baked risotto recipe with grated Parmesan and peas is a hands-free version of the classic that yields a delicious weeknight meal.

It’s everything you love about the classic stovetop risotto: a creamy texture, cheesy flavors… and the only stirring involved happens when you add in grated Parmesan and greens peas! 

You can serve it as the main dish with a side salad or next to your favorite entrees like pan-seared chicken or baked salmon. This baked risotto is an easy dinner idea the entire family will enjoy, and the oven does all the work. 

What is Risotto

Risotto is an Italian rice dish that’s gradually cooked with broth until it becomes thick and creamy. Many recipes also include cheese, butter, and even white wine, but that’s an optional ingredient in this recipe and can be replaced with additional broth.

Is Baked Risotto Easy to Make?

This risotto is very simple to make because the oven does all the work. The rice and broth slowly cook in the oven until it reaches that al dente, creamy texture risotto is known for, almost like mac and cheese, but rice instead of pasta.

If you make risotto the traditional way, on the stove-top, it can take up to 45 minutes and lots of stirring. This is because the broth, or cooking liquid, is added in batches, just enough for the rice to soak it up before more liquid is added.

Is Risotto Healthy?

This risotto is a wholesome recipe because it’s made at home, and we have control over what goes into the rice. Compared to risotto made at a local restaurant, I can guarantee this recipe uses less butter and cheese, but that doesn’t mean it lacks any delicious flavors.

Ingredients for Parmesan & Peas Risotto

Here’s everything needed to make this Baked Parmesan & Peas Risotto:

• Arborio rice: it’s important to use Arborio in risotto. It has a high concentration of a particular starch that makes risotto thick and creamy. 
• chicken broth or stock: either broth or stock will add more flavor and works with the starch to thicken the consistency. 
• grated Parmesan: you can use any aged cheese but Parmesan is what I regularly have on hand. 
• white wine: wine adds a delicious depth of flavor but it can be swapped for additional chicken broth.
• butter: makes everything taste better. 
• salt & pepper: for good measure. 
• frozen green peas: added in at the last minute and gives the dish a bright pop of color. 

What to Serve with Parmesan & Peas Baked Risotto

This Parmesan and pea risotto can be a stand-alone meal or a delicious side to cooked meats like steak, fish, and seafood. 

Here are some delicious recipes serve the risotto with: 

• Roasted Chicken
• Honey Baked Chicken Drumsticks
• Honey Baked Salmon (instead of the zoodles)
• Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
• Easy Roasted Fall Vegetables

You’ll find more simplified and delicious recipes like this easy oven risotto inside the MOMables Classic Dinner Meal Plan. 

Each week features family-favorite recipes made with fresh ingredients, a done-for-you shopping list, and an organized meal-prep guide to keep the cooking simple.

Can you Make Baked Risotto Ahead?

Baked Risotto is at it’s best when it’s made fresh, but you can cook this recipe ahead and reheat it throughout the week for a quick side dish or meal. Here’s how to make risotto ahead and reheat it with best results: 

1. Prepare the risotto in the oven until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is ‘al dente’.
2. Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and allow the rice to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating for up to 3 days. 
3. When ready to eat, reheat the risotto on the stove-top using an additional ½ cup of liquid along with the broth or white wine. 
4. Cook until the rice is creamy. 
5. Stir in the butter, seasonings, cheese, and green peas. 

Check out this post for more delicious, family-favorite meals that you can prep ahead and reheat for dinners and lunches throughout the week. 

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