Spinach and Lemon Risotto

Spinach and Lemon Risotto

with crispy prosciutto

Recipe by
Reviewed by Arturs Arnicans
Prep Time: 15m
Cook Time: 25m
Total Time: 40m
Servings: 2
Difficulty: Easy
4.9 (13 Reviews)
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Ingredients

Adjust servings:

For grating:

Nutritional Information

701
calories
30g
fat
65g
carbohydrates
32g
protein
7g
fiber
3g
sugar
Spinach and Lemon Risotto

Recipe Description

This quick Spinach and Lemon Risotto recipe bursts with flavor and makes for a simple yet indulgent dinner for two. Inspired by green risotto with asparagus, our recipe uses spinach, which is easily available all year round and more affordable. It’s best made with mature spinach, which has a bolder flavor than mild baby leaves. 

Chef’s note: To preserve the fresh green color, blanch the spinach and parsley, then purée with a glug of olive oil and a splash of water. This step not only preserves the vibrant green color but also intensifies the flavor of the entire dish. Serve the risotto topped with crispy prosciutto and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon zest. Pair it with a side salad and a glass of white wine.

To make the Spinach and Lemon Risotto, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Spinach and Lemon Risotto

Steps to make

  1. 1

    Blanch spinach and parsley

    1 min
    Step 1 - Spinach and Lemon Risotto

    Pour 750 milliliters stock into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add in 100 grams spinach and parsley and blanch until wilted and bright green, about 30 seconds.

  2. 2

    Cool spinach and parsley

    1 min
    Step 2 - Spinach and Lemon Risotto

    Remove the spinach and parsley with a slotted spoon and leave to cool for a minute. Turn down the stock to a low heat.

  3. 3

    Puree spinach and parsley

    2 min
    Step 3 - Spinach and Lemon Risotto

    Squeeze out any excess moisture from spinach and parsley, then place into a food processor. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon water and process into a fine purée. Set aside.

  4. 4

    Cook prosciutto

    3 min
    Step 4 - Spinach and Lemon Risotto

    In a large non-stick pan or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and add 4 slices prosciutto. Cook until crisp.

  5. 5

    Drain prosciutto

    1 min
    Step 5 - Spinach and Lemon Risotto

    Remove the prosciutto and place on a paper-lined plate to drain. Set aside.

  6. 6

    Melt butter and add thyme, leeks, and garlic

    3 min
    Step 6 - Spinach and Lemon Risotto

    In a skillet, add 5 grams butter, thyme leaves, 1 finely chopped leek, and 1 finely chopped garlic clove and season to taste. Scrape up any crisp bits from prosciutto and cook gently for a few minutes over medium heat until the leeks are softened and aromatic but not browning.

  7. 7

    Add rice

    2 min
    Step 7 - Spinach and Lemon Risotto

    Add 150 grams arborio rice, stirring to coat, and cook for 2 minutes until translucent.

  8. 8

    Pour in wine

    2 min
    Step 8 - Spinach and Lemon Risotto

    Pour in 75 milliliters white wine and cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes until evaporated.

  9. 9

    Add stock

    25 min
    Step 9 - Spinach and Lemon RisottoStep 9 - Spinach and Lemon Risotto

    Stir in one ladleful of the simmering stock and cook until absorbed. Continue to add stock one ladleful at a time, incorporating each ladleful entirely into the rice before adding more. Cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is creamy but still retains some bite.

  10. 10

    Stir in butter, Parmesan, lemon zest and juice, and heavy cream

    2 min
    Step 10 - Spinach and Lemon Risotto

    Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the remaining 5 grams butter, 20 grams Parmesan cheese, most of the lemon zest, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons heavy cream if using.

  11. 11

    Stir in spinach puree and season with nutmeg

    1 min
    Step 11 - Spinach and Lemon Risotto

    Stir in the spinach-parsley purée and season with a little freshly grated nutmeg.

  12. 12

    Serve

    Step 12 - Spinach and Lemon Risotto

    Divide the risotto between two plates, top with crisp prosciutto, and add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon zest. Serve immediately!

Brighten up your risotto with spinach and lemon with this simple Spinach and Lemon Risotto recipe. Topped with crispy prosciutto and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it makes for a comforting and indulgent dish for two. Did you make this recipe? Tag @cookmerecipes on Instagram and hashtag it #cookmerecipes.

About the author

Jeff O'connor

Jeff is a 38-year-old bachelor who prefers not to waste his time on salads and light meals. He’s a true carnivore who knows how to enjoy food to the max! Jeff will tell you how to cook rich and filling meals from scratch, bringing some real meaty decadence to your kitchen. His recipes are sure to satisfy every meat lover!

Recipe Reviews

Have you made this recipe? Share your experience and help other cooks!

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.9 out of 5 (13 reviews)
Jessica
May 5, 2025
Verified

So good! Reminded me of family dinners when I was a kid. Simple and delicious—loved it!

Samantha Wilson
April 2, 2025
Verified

So quick and delish! I made this risotto for my husband and he was blown away. We enjoyed it with a nice glass of wine while reminiscing our honeymoon in Italy.

Hannah
April 1, 2025
Verified

Super yummy dish! I made this for my cozy dinner date and my friend was impressed. The lemon flavor is just perfect. I’ll def be making it again!

Ethan Williams
March 22, 2025
Verified

Man, this Spinach and Lemon Risotto is legit! My fam loved it, especially my kiddos who usually are picky. It was super easy to whip up, and the flavor was off the charts. Thanks for the great recipe!

Xena
March 4, 2025
Verified

This Spinach and Lemon Risotto is simply exceptional! I made it for my family last weekend, and they loved it. The bright flavor from the lemon really pops. Blanching the spinach was a great tip, keeping it so vibrant! Will definitely make again.

John
February 19, 2025
Verified

Man, this Spinach and Lemon Risotto is a total game changer! It was easy peasy and so tasty. My wife and I devoured it with a glass of white wine. Big win for date night!

Quintero María
November 24, 2024
Verified

Hice esta receta de risotto y fue un éxito! Mi esposo y yo disfrutamos cada bocado. La combinación de espinacas y limón es espectacular. ¡Gracias por la receta!

Vicky
September 21, 2024
Verified

Superb! I made this risotto for my husband and it was a hit. The fresh lemon really brightened the dish, perfect for our dinner date at home. It's simple yet feels indulgent, plus the spinach adds a healthy twist. Will definitely make again!

Ursula Johnson
August 2, 2024
Verified

So grateful for this delish risotto! Made it for date night, and my husband was blown away. Will totally be making this again!

Cathy
June 23, 2024
Verified

So simple, loved it

Nico
June 4, 2024
Verified

Hice este risotto de espinacas y limón para una cena con mi esposa, nos encantó. La mezcla de sabores es increíble y muy fácil de preparar. El color verde brillante nos trajo recuerdos de nuestras citas en el parque. Definitivamente lo recomendaré a mis amigos.

Gina82
March 18, 2024
Verified

Delightful! I made this for my anniversary dinner with my husband, and he loved it. The lemon and spinach add such a fresh taste. It was quick to prepare too, which was perfect for our busy evening. Definitely my new go-to recipe!

Athina
February 20, 2024
Verified

It is bright, creamy, and so flavorful!

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