Is Risotto Rice or Pasta?

Despite its appearance, risotto is not a type of rice but an Italian dish

made with a special high-starch, short-grain rice such Italian Arborio, Carnaroli, or Vialone Nano rice. This special kind of rice can absorb quite a bit of liquid without becoming mushy.

Is risotto considered a pasta?

Risotto is the classic rice dish of Northern Italy. In Italy, risotto, like pasta, is considered the first course of a typical meal that includes several courses brought to the table at paced intervals. It is a rice dish that is simple to prepare, but it does take some time in the basic preparation.

Is risotto considered pasta or rice?

For most people, when they think Italian, they think pasta. But what about pasta's Northern Italian cousin? Risotto is a creamy, hearty rice dish made with short-grain Italian Arborio rice grown in the Northern Italian region of Piemonte. The rice itself is starchy enough to thicken and create its own sauce.