A hearty, comforting risotto doesn’t have to come with dairy to be rich and satisfying. Vegan Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto is a perfect example of how plant-based ingredients can come together to create a creamy, full-flavored dish. With the earthiness of mushrooms, the crispness of asparagus, and the creaminess of arborio rice, this risotto is a complete meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
The key to any great risotto is patience, and this dish is no exception. The rice slowly absorbs the vegetable broth, releasing its starches and creating the creamy texture risotto is known for. What makes this version vegan is the use of vegetable broth and a bit of olive oil or plant-based butter to give it richness, without the need for cream or cheese. The result is a lighter, yet still deeply satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor.
The mushrooms take center stage in this risotto, adding depth and an umami richness that makes the dish feel hearty. Whether you use cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms, their tender texture and savory taste enhance the overall profile. Asparagus, fresh and slightly crunchy, balances the richness with its bright, grassy flavor, creating a beautiful contrast against the mushrooms.
Vegan Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto is a great choice for dinner parties, as it’s a dish that feels indulgent but is actually quite simple to prepare. It also makes an excellent meal prep option, as the leftovers hold up well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
What’s wonderful about this risotto is how easily it can be customized. Add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to deepen the flavor, or stir in some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without any dairy.
This Vegan Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto is proof that a plant-based meal can be just as creamy, comforting, and indulgent as its dairy-filled counterparts, all while being wholesome and satisfying.

Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- parsley chopped, for garnish, fresh
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir to coat it in the oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and stir until it is absorbed by the rice.
- Begin adding the vegetable broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and waiting for each addition to be absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until all the broth is used and the rice is creamy and cooked al dente, about 20-25 minutes.
- While the risotto is cooking, blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Once the risotto is done, stir in the nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in the blanched asparagus.
- Serve the risotto hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Super easy and tasty, though I think I added too much garlic, lol.
Yum! My new favorite comfort food. The mushrooms were super tasty! 👍
I tried this recipe and it was a hit! The mushrooms really do make it shine. Thanks for sharing! 😊
How do you even cook asparagus? It always comes out tough for me. Help!
This vegan risotto is a game changer! So creamy and the flavors are spot on. Definitely making it again!
I don’t know, I followed the recipe but it turned out a bit bland. Maybe I missed something.
Maybe you didn’t use enough seasoning? A little more salt and pepper can really bring out the flavors! Also, did you use good quality broth?
This recipe is amazing! Even my non-vegan friends loved it! 🥳
Absolutely delicious! Vegans and non-vegans alike love it.
Vegan risotto? Pffft. Nothing beats real cheese! Give me a break with this veggie stuff.
Nah, I don’t believe in fake cheese. Give me the real deal any day. This recipe sounds wacky to me.
I totally get you! Nothing like real cheese! But this vegan risotto could surprise you. Nutritional yeast adds a nice cheesy flavor. Give it a shot!
I thought risotto was hard to make, but this recipe is really easy! Thanks!
I agree! I was so intimidated by risotto before, but this turned out great! Thanks for sharing!
Really? It seems like a lot of steps for just rice. I think I’d rather just cook plain rice.
I hate mushrooms but gave it a try anyway. Didn’t win me over, sorry.
I totally get it! Mushrooms can be an acquired taste. Have you tried substituting them with something else?
So, you just not like any mushrooms? I even tried it with just vegs, still good! Just saying.
Why do they call it risotto? It’s more like a soup. Just my opinion. 🤷♂️
I mean, its just rice with veggies. Not a big fan of mushrooms anyways. Don’t get the hype.
Not a fan of nutritional yeast. Can’t substitute with cheese?
Yum! Tried it with red wine instead and it worked fine!
OMG! I love mushrooms! This is the best. ❤
I tried this recipe and it ended up mushy. I guess I left it on the stove too long? Not sure what happened. 😕
Sounds like you might have overcooked it! Risotto needs constant stirring and adding broth slowly. It’s tricky but worth it! ❤️
Took me ages to make, and I’m not sure it was worth it. Seemed too mushy, not sure if I did it right.
The asparagus was a nice touch! Looks fancy but easy to cook. Great recipe!
This is one of the best risottos I’ve ever made! The flavors are on point. Definitely a keeper!
I don’t know… it looks good, but is it really that good? I tried a similar recipe and it was kinda bland.
I’m glad you liked it! This recipe is so delicious, I can’t wait to make it again.
Risotto takes too long to make for a weeknight meal. I prefer quicker dinners. 👍
The recipe was too complicated. Who has time to stir for 25 mins? I won’t make it again. 😩
I totally get where you’re coming from! Making risotto can be a bit much, especially with all that stirring. Maybe try a simpler recipe next time? 😅
But it’s not that hard! Just put on some music and stir while you enjoy it. It’s the best part about risotto! 😜
So creamy and delicious! My kids even liked it and they usually hate mushrooms. 😂
I don’t know why all these vegan recipes gotta include nutritional yeast. It’s just weird. Didn’t turn out that great for me.
I totally get it! Nutritional yeast can be a weird ingredient, but it’s supposed to add a cheesy flavor. Maybe you could try it without next time? Just a thought!
Used brown rice instead and it was a disaster… I think Arborio is key here.
Risotto is overrated. Just saying. Wouldn’t go outta my way to make it again.
I tried this and it was a bit too mushy for my taste. Need to be careful with the broth maybe.
I think risotto is supposed to be creamy, but maybe you added too much broth? Just a thought!
Delicious! Perfect for a cozy night in, I didn’t have wine so used a bit of lemon juice! Still great.
Tasty but I added more garlic. Can’t be too much garlic, right? 😁
I don’t know about this one… My risotto turned out mushy, not sure what I did wrong. Maybe my rice was bad?
Is Arborio rice the same as regular rice? I used brown rice instead and it didn’t cook right. You might wanna clarify that.
A bit bland for my taste. I added some chili flakes and it was better but still…meh.
It’s ok, but I think next time I’m adding shrimp because I need more protein.
It was an okay dish, but I found it a bit bland. Needs more seasoning, maybe try adding some spices?
My kids wouldn’t even try it! What’s wrong with them? Kids these days!
Kids can be picky sometimes! Maybe add some cheese next time?
This is the best risotto I ever made! So creamy! Love the flavors.
I gotta try this! Sounds delish but is it really that creamy without dairy?
Vegan or not, this is a win! Going to make every week now.
This was soooo good! I can’t believe it’s vegan! My family loved it!
Absolutely loved this! The flavors were incredible and it was super creamy. My new favorite dish!
Just made this for dinner and my whole family loved it! Even my kids who usually complain about veggies!
So easy to follow! I used brown rice instead of Arborio, came out okay, but wud recommend sticking to the recipe.
I didn’t use white wine, instead, I used apple juice. Not the same, but it was still alright I guess.
Just made this, but forgot the wine. Still delicious! Gonna try it with wine next time.
Forgot the wine? How could you! That’s like making pizza without cheese! 😂
I think the wine is key! But hey, if it’s still tasty without it, that’s awesome! I might try skipping it next time too.