Easy 30-Minute Chicken & Pea Risotto Recipe

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Creamy chicken and pea risotto served in a white bowl, featuring tender chicken pieces, green peas, and parmesan sprinkled on top.

We often think "making the most of our time" means landing the dream job or finally finishing that novel. But what if the most impactful 30 minutes of your day were spent simply standing at a stove? Today, we're not just making dinner; we're embracing the mindful, meditative power of creating the ultimate comfort food: Risotto with Chicken & Peas.

Forget culinary chaos. This is about finding joy and purpose in transforming simple ingredients into a dish that nourishes the body and soul. It’s a conscious choice to slow down and find value in the present moment.

The Unexpected Magic of the Stir

My typical cooking style is functional and efficient. But for this risotto, I pulled out a cookbook and meticulously followed the process. The real magic isn't in a secret ingredient; it's in the rhythm.

The chopping of the onions, the gentle cooking of the rice, the rhythmic stirring as the broth is gradually absorbed – it’s almost meditative. This is how you trade anxiety for aroma, and that feeling of accomplishment lingers long after the last bite.

Your Pantry Superstars

This recipe proves that luxury doesn't require a complicated shopping list. We’re using staples, including leftover cooked chicken and frozen peas, which means maximum flavor with minimum drama. The core ingredients you'll need are arborio rice, chicken stock, Parmesan, and a splash of white wine (or water if you prefer!).

Creamy chicken and pea risotto served in a white bowl, featuring tender chicken pieces, green peas, and parmesan sprinkled on top.

🌟 Creamy Risotto with Chicken & Peas

This recipe takes a humble grain and elevates it into a creamy, comforting centerpiece, proving that the most rewarding uses of our time are often the ones that nourish us the most.

  • Prep: Less than 10 mins
  • Cook: 10–30 mins
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or sunflower oil
  • 1 onion, cut in half, coarsely grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated
  • 250g arborio rice
  • 100ml white wine, dry vermouth, or water
  • 1 litre chicken stock (made with 1 stock cube)
  • 250g cooked leftover chicken, skin removed, cut into small pieces
  • 200g frozen peas
  • 75g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 25g butter
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large, non-stick saucepan, warm the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and fry for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften.

  2. Toast Rice: Add the arborio rice to the pan. Stir well for 30–40 seconds, ensuring the oil coats all the rice grains.

  3. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in half of the wine (or vermouth/water) and let it bubble for 30–40 seconds. Add all of the stock, bring to a boil, and stir thoroughly.

  4. Cook Risotto Base: Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 8–10 minutes. Stir frequently until the rice is almost tender.

  5. Add Final Components: Stir in the remaining wine, chicken, and frozen peas. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 4–5 minutes, until the chicken and peas are hot and the rice is tender with a slight bite.

  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the butter and cheese. Season with black pepper. Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Creamy chicken and pea risotto served in a white bowl on a rustic wooden table, topped with Parmesan cheese and paired with a glass of white wine -easy, comforting weeknight dinner recipe.

Final Thoughts

This isn't just a recipe; it's a reminder: maximizing our time is about consciously choosing how we spend our moments. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or stirring a pot of creamy risotto, embrace the opportunity to find joy and purpose in the present moment. You might be surprised by the sense of accomplishment and renewal it brings.

Simmer, Serve, Smile - Risotto Worth Talking About!