Slow cooker risotto with parmesan cheese and asparagus is an easy side dish you’ll love. One of our many favorite and cheap Crockpot meal ideas that can be made for a potluck with very little prep work on your part.
You can make all sorts of different parmesan slow cooker risotto types using this base. A great alternative to rice as a side dish or vegetarian dish packed with vegetables if you like. Just one easy Crockpot recipe we have on our site.
I had this dish for the first time at a restaurant in Downtown Disney many years back. It likely was not made in a slow cooker but nevertheless it was amazing. Like I couldn’t believe it took me into my thirties to finally try it. First I made, of course, Instant Pot risotto which was amazing. It was time for this now.
Oh how my life changed after I made this for the first time. Made on the stovetop is excellent, but takes quite a bit of paying attention to. If you have been following me for quite some time now you know that I am all about quick prep times and easy easy easy. You’ve gotta’ try it this way like now.
Should risotto be cooked fast or slow?
If you cook it on your stovetop slow is a must. In a Crockpot it should on high so it doesn’t get mushy. You want it to get nice and tender but not overcooked on the bottom or edges. It should not be something done in a rush, it won’t turn out well.
Variations and Substitutions
Like I said, beyond just the basic recipe you can add all sorts of add ins. I will say that parmesan cheese is amazing, and a must for all of them. If you need dairy free risotto (like my husband, makes me cry) you might need to leave that out and find a butter alternative.
I will say that there is a plant based butter by Country Crock which is great, and Daya makes dairy free cheese too that is pretty darn good as far as that goes.
If you are looking for a vegetarian version that would be easy. I didn’t include meat of any kind this time so there’s that, and you could substitute the chicken broth for vegetable. Easy peasy right? There are many variations. Roasted asparagus is fantastic but if it isn’t in season, broccoli florets works great too.
If you typically just make Ninja Foodi rice with dinner, and just kinda’ stopped there, you have to give this a whirl this week. Your family is in for a real treat. 😉 We have the ingredients needed and instructions below. You can print out as well and keep it handy or come back again and again to follow.
What type of rice do you use to make risotto?
If you want to make it the traditional way the grains that you want to use would be Arborio rice. I will say that it is a bit more expensive than long grain so if you wanted something more similar you could use short grain rice instead.
Can I use Parmigiano Reggiano instead of Parmesan in risotto?
Yes, you can definitely use Parmigiano Reggiano instead in risotto, and it may even enhance the flavor of the dish. This is a type of Parmesan cheese that is made according to strict traditional methods in specific regions of Italy, and it is often considered superior in flavor to generic Parmesan.
I would use some non stick spray inside so it serves up nicely and cleans up quicker too. You can use this base to change up the add ins going forward to make other risotto recipes of all kinds.
Ideas for adding veggies would be to slice baby bella mushrooms or asparagus tips. Those will stay firmer than button which will break down more and cook faster. This should have a creamy texture when done correctly. Pure comfort food if you love risotto.
Slow Cooker Risotto Recipe
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cup Arborio rice
- 6 1/4 cup chicken stock, can use 3/4 cup white wine and the rest broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 6 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1" pieces, optional
- 1 small lemon, zest and juiced, optional
Instructions
- Spray the slow cooker liner with nonstick cooking spray. In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic. Add the rice into the skillet and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning. Add the wine or 3/4 cup of your broth into the skillet and stir, cooking until almost completely absorbed.
- Pour the rice into the slow cooker. Heat the rest of your broth in the microwave, pour that in. If you want to add lemon juice and lemon zest add that + salt and black pepper.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 90 minutes. Remove the lid and gently fold in the asparagus if you want to add that. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
- Prior to serving, fold in the butter and Parmesan cheese.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can you store and reheat leftover risotto?
You can always save leftovers of any kind, it is just going to be a different texture when you heat it back up again. You’ll need to let it cool down and then transfer what is left into a sealable container. Suck all the air out. It will need to be eaten within 48 hours. Cover and cook in microwave, cook on high for about 1 minute to reheat stirring rice risotto halfway thru cooking time.
