Hey there, fellow foodies! If you’ve ever craved that creamy, dreamy comfort of risotto but thought it couldn’t be vegan, let me tell you—you’re in for a treat! This vegan mushroom risotto creamy recipe is one of my absolute favorites. The way the arborio rice absorbs all those rich flavors while staying perfectly al dente is just magical. Plus, the mushrooms add a lovely earthiness that makes every bite feel indulgent, even though it’s completely plant-based. I love whipping this up for dinner when I’m in the mood for something hearty yet elegant. It’s an effortless way to impress friends or just treat yourself to a cozy night in. Trust me, you won’t miss the cream or cheese at all with this one!

Ingredients List
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth (feel free to use low-sodium for a healthier option)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (I love using a mix of cremini and shiitake for depth of flavor)
- 1 onion, chopped (yellow or white works great here)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional, but it adds a lovely acidity and richness)
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast (this gives that cheesy flavor without the dairy)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin adds a nice touch)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this step—seasoning is key!)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (it brightens up the dish and looks pretty too!)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want it nice and warm but not smoking—about 1-2 minutes should do it.
- Next, add in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté these together until they’re soft and fragrant, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Now it’s time to toss in the sliced mushrooms. Cook them down for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and start to brown a bit. This step really brings out their flavor!
- Stir in the arborio rice and let it toast for about 2 minutes. You want those grains to get a little coated in the oil and flavors. It makes a world of difference!
- If you’re using white wine, pour it in now. Stir until it’s mostly absorbed by the rice—this usually takes about 2 minutes. The wine adds such a beautiful depth to the risotto.
- Here comes the fun part! Start adding the vegetable broth, one cup at a time. Stir continuously and let the rice absorb the broth before adding more. This process takes about 20 minutes, and it’s crucial for getting that creamy texture.
- Keep stirring until the rice is creamy and al dente, and all the broth has been absorbed. You might not need the full 4 cups, so taste as you go!
- Once you’re happy with the texture, stir in the nutritional yeast and season with salt and pepper to your liking. This is where it all comes together, so give it a good mix!
- Finally, serve it up hot and garnish with fresh parsley. And there you have it—a creamy, delicious vegan mushroom risotto that’s ready to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to whip up something special without a fuss!
- The rich, creamy texture will blow your mind, and you won’t believe it’s dairy-free!
- It’s packed with umami flavor from the mushrooms, making it a satisfying dish that’s full of depth.
- Comfort food at its finest! This risotto is warm, hearty, and absolutely delicious—just what you need on a chilly evening.
- Healthy and nutritious! With wholesome ingredients like arborio rice, vegetables, and nutritional yeast, you’re fueling your body right.
- It’s versatile! You can easily customize it with different veggies or herbs to suit your taste.
- Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, so whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just having a cozy night in, everyone will love it!
Tips for Success
- Always use arborio rice for that creamy texture; it’s specially designed for risotto and makes all the difference!
- Don’t rush the broth addition—stirring continuously and letting the rice absorb the liquid slowly is key to achieving that luxurious creaminess.
- If you find the risotto too thick or it’s sticking to the pan, don’t hesitate to add a splash more broth or water. Keep it flowing!
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a dash of soy sauce or tamari along with the salt and pepper. It enhances the umami and gives it a nice depth.
- Feel free to customize with herbs like thyme or rosemary—just toss them in while the mushrooms are cooking for a fragrant twist!
- Serve immediately for the best texture; risotto waits for no one! If you have leftovers, add a little broth when reheating to bring back the creaminess.
- And remember, taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your liking for a truly personalized dish.
Variations
- Mixed Mushrooms: Feel free to experiment with different varieties! Portobello, oyster, or even wild mushrooms can add unique flavors and textures to your risotto.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale at the end of cooking for a pop of color and added nutrients. You could also add peas for a sweet touch!
- Roasted Garlic: For an extra layer of flavor, try roasting a whole head of garlic and squeezing the creamy goodness into the risotto. It’s divine!
- Sundried Tomatoes: Chop up some sundried tomatoes and mix them in for a burst of tangy flavor that complements the mushrooms beautifully.
- Herbed Delight: Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or tarragon during the cooking process for a fragrant twist. They bring the dish to life!
- Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest stirred in at the end can brighten up the flavors and give it a fresh lift. Just a hint is all you need!
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking to spice things up!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This vegan mushroom risotto keeps pretty well, so don’t toss it out. To store it, simply let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll last for about a month.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is key to keeping that creamy texture. If it’s been frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight first. To reheat, you can use the stovetop or microwave. If you choose the stovetop, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to the pan over medium heat, and stir until warmed through. This helps bring back that creamy goodness! If using the microwave, heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, and add a little liquid as needed. Just make sure it’s hot all the way through before serving!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk numbers! Please keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these figures are just a general guide. For each serving of this delicious vegan mushroom risotto, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 10g
These values are a great reminder of how wholesome and satisfying this dish is, while still being plant-based! Enjoy knowing you’re nourishing your body while indulging in something truly delicious.
FAQ Section
Can I make this vegan mushroom risotto creamy recipe without wine?
Absolutely! The wine adds flavor, but if you prefer not to use it, just replace it with an equal amount of vegetable broth. You won’t lose any of that delicious creaminess!
What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?
If you don’t have nutritional yeast on hand, you can try using vegan parmesan as a substitute for a cheesy flavor. Just keep in mind that it may change the overall texture a bit.
Can I use regular rice instead of arborio?
I wouldn’t recommend it for this recipe. Arborio rice is essential for achieving that creamy consistency risotto is known for. Other rice types won’t give you the same texture—trust me, stick with arborio!
How do I know when the risotto is done?
The risotto is done when the rice is tender yet still has a slight bite (al dente) and the mixture is creamy. You should be able to stir it easily, and it should flow slightly when spooned onto a plate.
Can I add other vegetables to this risotto?
Definitely! This is a versatile dish, so feel free to add in your favorite vegetables like peas, asparagus, or spinach. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking for a vibrant and nutritious boost!
Vegan Mushroom Risotto Creamy Recipe for Cozy Nights
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Creamy vegan mushroom risotto made with arborio rice and fresh mushrooms.
Ingredients
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic. Sauté until soft.
- Add sliced mushrooms. Cook until they release moisture.
- Stir in arborio rice. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add white wine, if using. Stir until absorbed.
- Add broth one cup at a time, stirring continuously.
- Cook until rice is creamy and al dente.
- Stir in nutritional yeast. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use any type of mushrooms you prefer.
- Adjust the broth quantity for desired creaminess.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan mushroom risotto creamy recipe