Creamy Asparagus Parmesan Rice (Printable Version)
A comforting, creamy rice dish with tender asparagus and savory Parmesan — perfect for spring meals.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 lb (450 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Grains
04 - 1 cup Arborio rice (or any short-grain rice)
→ Dairy
05 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
07 - ½ cup heavy cream
→ Liquids
08 - 3 cups vegetable broth, warmed
09 - ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
→ Seasonings
10 - ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
11 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
02 - Stir in the rice and cook for 1–2 minutes, until slightly toasted.
03 - Add the white wine (if using) and stir until absorbed.
04 - Begin adding the warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until most of the liquid is absorbed before adding more. This should take about 15–18 minutes.
05 - Meanwhile, steam or blanch the asparagus in lightly salted water for 3–4 minutes, until just tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
06 - Once the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and cooked asparagus.
07 - Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Stir gently until everything is well combined and heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Ready in just 35 minutes for weeknight convenience
- Creates restaurant-quality results with basic ingredients
- Perfect balance of creamy comfort and fresh vegetables
- Versatile as either a side dish or light main course
02 -
- This dish contains approximately 15g of protein per serving making it surprisingly satisfying
- The asparagus adds essential vitamins K A and folate
- Can be prepared ahead through the rice cooking stage finish with cream and asparagus just before serving
03 -
- Let ingredients come to room temperature before starting especially the cream and cheese which will incorporate more smoothly
- Keep broth warm throughout cooking cold additions shock the rice and interrupt the starch release process
- For extra flavor lightly roast asparagus instead of blanching it adds caramelized notes that complement the Parmesan beautifully