The Best Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto Recipe For Fresh Flavor

Crafting a delightful spring pea and asparagus risotto promises a culinary adventure that celebrates seasonal freshness.

Vibrant green vegetables dance through creamy arborio rice, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Italian cooking traditions shine in this elegant dish that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

We blend tender asparagus spears with sweet peas, letting each ingredient tell its own story.

Slowly stirred with patience, the risotto develops a luxurious consistency that melts beautifully on your palate.

Parmesan cheese adds a subtle nutty depth that complements the vegetables’ natural sweetness.

Fragrant herbs provide a final whisper of brightness that makes this recipe truly memorable.

Take a deep breath and savor the promise of spring in every delectable spoonful.

Pairing Ideas for Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto

Crisp sauvignon blanc perfectly complements the bright, verdant flavors of the risotto, cutting through its creamy richness with zesty citrus notes.

Grilled lemon-herb chicken provides a light, lean protein that enhances the risotto’s delicate vegetable essence without overwhelming its subtle spring vegetable profile.

Toasted pine nuts sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch and nutty depth, creating a textural counterpoint to the smooth, creamy risotto while amplifying its earthy undertones.

Simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and light lemon vinaigrette rounds out the meal, offering a peppery freshness that echoes the risotto’s green vegetable character.

Storage Tips for Pea & Asparagus Risotto

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer risotto to a freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Avoid freezing as texture might become grainy.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of vegetable broth or water to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
• Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add small amount of broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What is Arborio rice, and why is it used in risotto?

Arborio rice is a short-grain Italian rice with high starch content that creates a creamy texture when cooked slowly, making it perfect for traditional risotto dishes.

• Can I use frozen peas and asparagus instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well. Just thaw and drain them before adding to the risotto to prevent excess moisture.

• How do I know when the risotto is properly cooked?

The risotto is done when the rice is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente) and has a creamy, flowing consistency that spreads slightly on the plate.

• Do I need to stir the risotto constantly?

Frequent stirring is crucial to release the rice’s starches and create a creamy texture, but you don’t need to stir every single second – just regularly and consistently.

Why Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto Shines

• Craft Spring Freshness: Celebrate seasonal vegetables with this vibrant risotto that brings the garden's best flavors directly to your plate.
• Master Gourmet Techniques: Learn professional cooking skills by creating a creamy, restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but requires basic culinary knowledge.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping vegetables or adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single-skillet cooking method that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal without complicated steps.

Ingredients for Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto

• Arborio Rice: A creamy, short-grain Italian rice perfect for creating smooth and rich risotto dishes.
• Vegetable Broth: The liquid base that will slowly cook and flavor the rice throughout the cooking process.
• Peas: Sweet and tender green peas that add a fresh spring vegetable element to the risotto.
• Asparagus: Delicate green spears that bring a subtle earthy flavor and crisp texture to the dish.

• Onions, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that provide a deep, savory base flavor for the risotto.
• Olive Oil: A classic cooking fat that helps sauté the aromatics and provides a rich undertone.

• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that melts beautifully into the risotto, adding creaminess and depth.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.

How to Prepare Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto

Step 1: Warm Up The Liquid

Pour vegetable broth into a saucepan and heat over medium temperature until it reaches a gentle simmer. Keep the broth warm and ready throughout the cooking process.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Toast The Rice

Add Arborio rice to the skillet and stir continuously for about 2 minutes, allowing the grains to become slightly toasted and develop a nutty aroma.

Step 4: Slowly Incorporate Broth

Begin adding warm broth to the rice one ladleful at a time, stirring consistently. Each addition of broth should be fully absorbed before adding the next portion.

Continue this process for approximately 18-20 minutes until the rice becomes creamy and tender.

Step 5: Add Spring Vegetables

• Green peas
• Chopped asparagus

Cook for an additional 5 minutes until vegetables are bright and tender.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Remove skillet from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Transfer to serving dishes immediately while the risotto is warm and creamy.

Helpful Tips for Pea & Asparagus Risotto

• Select premium Arborio rice for creamy, authentic risotto texture with perfect starch release.
• Add warm broth slowly to ensure even absorption and prevent rice from becoming mushy or dry.
• Continuously stir risotto to develop rich, smooth consistency and prevent sticking to pan bottom.
• Add peas and asparagus near end of cooking to retain bright color and tender-crisp texture.
• Incorporate Parmesan incrementally for optimal flavor without overwhelming delicate vegetable notes.

Variations for Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto

• Vegan Veggie Risotto: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast, use vegetable broth, and add mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
• Quinoa Spring Medley: Swap Arborio rice with quinoa for a protein-packed gluten-free alternative, maintaining the same vegetable mix.
• Seafood Risotto Upgrade: Incorporate sautéed shrimp or scallops for a protein-rich version, keeping the spring vegetable base.
• No-Dairy Herb Risotto: Eliminate cheese, enhance with fresh herbs like basil and chives, use olive oil for creaminess.

Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy spring pea & asparagus risotto brings Italian comfort to your table with fresh seasonal vegetables. Herbaceous and light, this dish delivers pure springtime elegance you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 2 cups fresh green peas
• 1 cup asparagus, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons, 30 milliliters)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a pot of vegetable broth, heating it to a gentle simmer over medium heat and maintaining its warmth throughout the cooking process.
2. In a spacious skillet, transform chopped onions and minced garlic into a translucent, fragrant base by sautéing them in olive oil until softened.
3. Introduce Arborio rice to the skillet, allowing it to toast and develop a nutty aroma for approximately 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Incrementally ladle the warm broth into the rice, stirring methodically to encourage gradual absorption and create a creamy consistency. This process will take around 18-20 minutes.
5. When rice is nearly tender, gently incorporate fresh peas and tender asparagus pieces, letting them cook and integrate with the risotto for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Finish the dish by folding in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
7. Transfer the risotto to warm serving plates immediately, ensuring the creamy texture is preserved and enjoyed at its peak temperature.

Notes

• Achieve creamy risotto by stirring consistently, allowing rice to release natural starches while preventing sticking.
• Swap Arborio rice with other short-grain varieties like Carnaroli or Vialone Nano for similar texture and absorption qualities.
• Keep vegetable broth warm throughout cooking to maintain consistent temperature and prevent rice from cooling down during liquid additions.
• For a lighter version, reduce Parmesan cheese quantity or use nutritional yeast as a dairy-free alternative that provides similar umami flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 7 mg