Description

This lightened-up creamy chicken mushroom risotto offers the indulgent creaminess of traditional risotto with lean protein and lower fat ingredients for a balanced, comforting meal. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a healthy comfort dinner without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup arborio rice

8 oz lean chicken breast, diced

8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced

4 oz low-fat cream cheese

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, diced

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a wide saucepan over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.

2. Add sliced mushrooms and cook undisturbed until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

3. Push mushrooms to one side, add diced chicken breast, and brown until just cooked through.

4. Stir in arborio rice and toast for 1–2 minutes until edges are translucent.

5. Ladle in ½ cup warm broth and stir constantly until almost absorbed, then repeat until rice is creamy and al dente, about 20 minutes.

6. In a small bowl, whisk low-fat cream cheese with balsamic glaze until smooth.

7. Stir the cream cheese mixture into the risotto until fully incorporated and creamy.

8. Fold cooked chicken and mushrooms back into the risotto and cook for 2–3 more minutes.

9. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir in fresh parsley.

10. Serve immediately, topping with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: main course
Method: stovetop
Cuisine: italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 400
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 450
Fat: 11
Saturated Fat: 4
Unsaturated Fat: 7
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 3
Protein: 34
Cholesterol: 75

Keywords: chicken mushroom risotto, lightened up, healthy comfort dinner, creamy balsamic, low fat, lean protein, vegetarian friendly