Valentine Dinner Lemon Herb Risotto

Name: Valentine Dinner Lemon Herb Risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice; 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup white wine (optional); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley and basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Fresh Food

I absolutely love preparing this Lemon Herb Risotto for a special dinner. The creamy texture paired with the brightness of lemon and fresh herbs creates a comforting yet elegant dish that is perfect for Valentine's Day. It’s stunning when served alongside your favorite protein, but it also shines on its own as a meatless option. I've found that a good quality broth is key to elevating the flavors, so I always opt for homemade when I can. Trust me, this recipe will impress anyone at your dinner table!

Created by

Philippa Grantley

Last updated on 2026-01-05T22:49:34.855Z

When I first tried making risotto, I was astounded by how the creamy consistency could be achieved just by continuously stirring. It’s quite a rhythm you get into! My secret? Adding the broth slowly and allowing the rice to absorb it completely before adding more. This not only yields perfect texture but also a rich, full-bodied flavor.

I often experiment with various herbs, but I can assure you that a mixture of parsley and basil perfectly complements the zing of lemon in this dish. You’ll fall in love with how fresh and fragrant it becomes as it cooks!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy risotto that melts in your mouth
Zesty lemon flavor brings freshness to every bite
Perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion

The Art of Risotto

Risotto is known for its creamy texture, which is achieved through the gradual addition of liquid while continuously stirring. This process releases the starch from the Arborio rice, creating that beloved creaminess. One key to perfect risotto is to maintain a gentle simmer on your broth, ensuring it’s warm and ready to be absorbed. If your risotto starts to look too thick before it's done cooking, adding more broth will help maintain the right consistency.

Keep an eye on the rice as it cooks. You’re looking for a creamy consistency where the grains are al dente – slightly firm to the bite but not raw. This typically takes about 18 to 20 minutes after you start adding broth, so set a timer and taste the rice a couple of minutes before the time is up to prevent overcooking.

Ingredient Insights

Using homemade broth greatly enhances the flavor of your Lemon Herb Risotto since it can be tailored to your taste preferences and lacks the preservatives often found in store-bought varieties. If you’re short on time, a low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth from a reputable brand can still work well, but be mindful of how salty you season the dish at the end.

The addition of lemon zest and juice provides a refreshing brightness that perfectly complements the creamy risotto. If you want to experiment with other flavors, consider incorporating a splash of white balsamic vinegar or using herbs like thyme or dill in place of parsley and basil for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

Gather these ingredients for a delightful dish.

Main Ingredients

1 cup Arborio rice
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley and basil for garnish

Make sure to measure everything beforehand to streamline your cooking process!

Instructions

Preparation Steps:

Follow these steps to create your delicious risotto.

Prepare the Broth

In a saucepan, heat the broth over low heat. Keep it warm as you cook the risotto.

Sauté Aromatics

In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, then add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Toast the Rice

Stir in the Arborio rice and toast for about 2 minutes until slightly translucent.

Add Wine

Pour in the white wine, if using, and let it simmer until absorbed by the rice.

Cook the Risotto

Begin adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until absorbed. Repeat until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 20 minutes.

Finish with Flavor

Stir in the butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish and Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

Enjoy the delightful aroma of fresh herbs as you serve this dish!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some cooked shrimp or grilled chicken on top just before serving! Adjust the acidity by using more or less lemon juice based on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Herb Risotto pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables, making it versatile for any menu. If you’re serving it as a standalone dish, top it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon for an added burst of flavor. I like to serve it with a light salad on the side, featuring arugula and cherry tomatoes to keep the meal bright and refreshing.

For a romantic presentation, serve the risotto in shallow bowls and garnish with a colorful mix of fresh herbs and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. A few lemon wedges on the side not only add visual appeal but also allow your guests to adjust the tanginess to their liking.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

While risotto is best served fresh due to its creamy texture, you can prepare the base—aunt the rice and broth mixture—up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of warm broth as needed to restore its creamy consistency.

If you have leftovers, let the risotto cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It should keep in the fridge for about 3 days. Reheating in a sauté pan with a splash of broth or water ensures it regains its creamy texture, rather than becoming dry or clumpy in the microwave.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of Arborio rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and will not give you the creamy texture typical of risotto. It's best to stick to Arborio or similar short-grain rice.

→ Is it necessary to use wine?

While wine adds depth, you can omit it and add an extra ladle of broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.

→ How can I make this risotto vegan?

Swap out Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ Can I prepare risotto in advance?

Risotto is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat with a touch of broth while stirring to revive the creaminess.