Risotto alla Milanese is a classic Italian risotto made with Arborio rice, saffron, and Parmesan. This Best Risotto alla Milanese Recipe guides you through creating a creamy, saffron-infused dish that’s perfect for pairing with meats like osso buco or enjoying on its own. With its rich flavors and vibrant color, this risotto is both comforting and elegant, making it a perfect addition to any meal.

Creamy, Rich, and Infused with Saffron
Risotto alla Milanese is a classic Italian dish that hails from the Lombardy region, known for its creamy texture and beautiful golden hue from saffron. This Best Risotto alla Milanese Recipe brings together simple ingredients like Arborio rice, Parmesan cheese, and saffron to create a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for both special occasions and cozy dinners. Whether served as a main course or as a side dish to complement meat like osso buco, Risotto alla Milanese is always a showstopper on the table.
What is Risotto alla Milanese?
Risotto alla Milanese is a traditional Italian dish made with Arborio rice, saffron, Parmesan cheese, and butter. The signature golden color comes from the saffron threads, which are steeped in warm water before being added to the risotto. The dish is creamy, flavorful, and luxurious, with the saffron providing a slightly earthy and floral flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter and cheese. Risotto alla Milanese is often served as a side dish with osso buco, a braised veal shank, but it’s equally delicious as a standalone meal.
How Should Risotto alla Milanese Taste?
A perfect Risotto alla Milanese should have a creamy consistency, with each grain of rice slightly firm (al dente) yet tender. The dish should be rich, with the butter and Parmesan adding depth to the flavor, while the saffron gives it a delicate, earthy aroma and a subtle sweetness. The balance between the creamy texture and the bite of the rice is what makes this dish so satisfying. The saffron should infuse the entire dish with its vibrant yellow color, adding to its visual and flavor appeal.

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Tips for Making the Best Risotto alla Milanese
To achieve the perfect Risotto alla Milanese, follow these essential tips:
- Use Arborio or Carnaroli Rice: The short-grain rice used for risotto, like Arborio or Carnaroli, is crucial for achieving the creamy texture. These rice varieties release starch as they cook, creating the signature creaminess of risotto.
- Stir Constantly: Stirring the rice as you gradually add broth ensures the rice absorbs the liquid evenly and releases its starch. This is key to achieving the rich, creamy texture of the risotto.
- Warm the Broth: Always use warm broth when making risotto. Adding cold broth can cause the cooking process to slow down and disrupt the creamy consistency of the dish.
- Don’t Rush the Process: Risotto is all about patience. Add the broth one ladle at a time and wait until it’s fully absorbed before adding more. This slow cooking process helps the rice absorb all the flavors.
- Use High-Quality Saffron: Saffron is the defining ingredient in Risotto alla Milanese, so using high-quality saffron threads will greatly enhance the flavor and color of the dish.

Risotto alla Milanese Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium saucepan (for broth)
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 tsp saffron threads
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Heat the BrothIn a medium saucepan, heat the chicken or vegetable broth over medium-low heat. Keep it warm while making the risotto.2. Bloom the SaffronIn a small bowl, add the saffron threads to 2 tablespoons of warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to release the color and flavor.3. Sauté the OnionsIn a large skillet or sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil over medium heat.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.4. Toast the RiceStir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the grains with the butter and oil. The rice should become slightly translucent around the edges but not browned.5. Deglaze with White WinePour in the white wine and stir continuously until the wine is fully absorbed by the rice.6. Add Broth GraduallyAdd one ladle of warm broth to the rice, stirring constantly. Allow the rice to absorb the broth before adding the next ladle.Continue this process, adding broth one ladle at a time and stirring frequently, for about 18-20 minutes. The rice should become creamy and tender but still have a slight bite in the center.7. Stir in SaffronOnce the rice is almost cooked (after about 15 minutes), stir in the saffron water, including the threads, and mix well. This will give the risotto its signature golden color and fragrant flavor.8. Finish with Parmesan and ButterWhen the rice is cooked to your liking, remove the pan from heat.Stir in the remaining butter and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the risotto is creamy and rich. Season with salt and pepper to taste.9. ServeServe the Risotto alla Milanese immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy as a main dish or side to complement meat dishes like osso buco.
Notes
- Rice Choice: Arborio rice is traditional for risotto, but Carnaroli rice is also an excellent option, known for producing even creamier risotto.
- Saffron: Saffron is the key ingredient in Risotto alla Milanese and gives the dish its distinct yellow color and unique flavor. Use high-quality saffron threads for the best result.
- Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an additional ladle of broth.
- Consistency: The final consistency of the risotto should be creamy and slightly flowing, not too thick. Adjust with extra broth or butter if needed.
- Serving Suggestion: Traditionally, Risotto alla Milanese is served as a side dish with osso buco, but it can be enjoyed as a standalone meal as well.
Conclusion
Risotto alla Milanese is a simple yet elegant dish that embodies the richness of Italian cuisine. This Best Risotto alla Milanese Recipe offers a creamy, flavorful risotto infused with saffron and finished with butter and Parmesan. Whether you’re serving it as a side to accompany osso buco or enjoying it as a main dish, this risotto will elevate any meal with its luxurious texture and vibrant color. With just a few high-quality ingredients and a bit of patience, you can recreate this classic Italian dish in your own kitchen.