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    Home » Desserts » Healthy Italian Arborio Rice Pudding Recipe

    Healthy Italian Arborio Rice Pudding Recipe

    January 12, 2024 , Updated February 13, 2025 Maria 30 Comments

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    Arborio rice pudding sprinkled with cinnamon powder in a white dessert dish.

    Creamy, comforting Arborio rice pudding made without eggs or heavy cream! This easy stovetop recipe is rich, delicious, and ready in an hour. Serve this easy, no-bake dessert warm or cold any time of the year!

    A dessert bowl with creamy rice pudding.

    My family has been enjoying this arborio rice pudding for over 25 years, and it’s still as much of a crowd-pleaser as when I first discovered the recipe.

    If you love velvety, comforting desserts, this is for you.

    Arborio rice, known for its creamy texture in risottos, creates a rich and luscious pudding—all without eggs or heavy cream. That makes it a great option for those with allergies or anyone looking for a lighter yet indulgent treat.

    As you probably know, there are various methods for preparing rice pudding, each with advantages and disadvantages.

    While a slow cooker or oven-baked version is more hands-off, making stovetop rice pudding gives you more control over the cooking process. This method ensures the rice doesn’t overcook and turns mushy while achieving the perfect creamy consistency.

    Which method you choose depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a hands-off approach, then oven-baked rice pudding may be the way to go. However, if you want more control over the cooking process, stovetop rice pudding is better.

    In this article, I’ll show you how to make the best Italian rice pudding on the stovetop, along with helpful tips for getting it right every time.

    Are you ready to begin?

    Jump to:
    • Prep and Cook Time
    • Rice pudding ingredients
    • How to make
    • Recipe Variations
    • Tips
    • FAQ
    • Arborio Rice Recipes
    • Recipe Inspiration
    • Recipe

    Prep and Cook Time

    The total time to prepare and cook this creamy rice pudding is:

    • Prep Time: 5 minutes (measuring ingredients, prepping vanilla)
    • Cook Time: 50 minutes (simmering and stirring occasionally)
    • Total Time: ~55 minutes

    Watch the video on the recipe card to see how easy this recipe is to make!

    Ingredients to make rice pudding on a wooden board.

    Rice pudding ingredients

    You will notice there are no eggs or heavy cream in the list of ingredients for this recipe. That’s because using short-grain rice like arborio, creates a rice pudding that is thick and creamy.

    Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this arborio rice pudding:

    A close up of arborio rice.

    Arborio Rice: This Italian short-grain rice is the key to creating a creamy texture in this pudding. It’s widely available in grocery stores. This short-grain white rice is commonly used in Italian cuisine, from risotto to arancini. It has a high starch content, making the rice pudding creamy.

    If you don’t have arborio rice on hand, you can use another short-grain rice, such as Carnaroli.

    Milk: I use 2% milk because of its lower fat content, but you could also use whole milk for a richer pudding or almond milk for a dairy-free rice pudding.

    Sugar: This rice pudding recipe is lightly sweetened with granulated sugar. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste or use the sweetener you prefer. The total amounts used need to be tested. 

    Vanilla Bean: The delicate and tiny vanilla seeds will appeal visually and taste-wise to any vanilla lover. If you don’t have a vanilla bean, replace it with a teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.

    Salt: There are no hard and fast rules regarding the amount of salt you should use. It’s entirely up to you whether or not you choose to include any at all. I like to add a few pinches of salt to round out the flavors.

    Italian rice pudding in a white serving bowl.

    How to make

    You’ll be surprised at how effortless it is to make this stovetop rice pudding with only a few key ingredients and one pot. 

    Rice pudding being stirred in a pot.

    Start by combining 4 cups of milk (2% or whole milk), ½ cup arborio rice, ¼ cup (or less according to taste) of granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt (optional) in a heavy saucepan over medium heat.

    Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring regularly with a wooden spoon, until the sugar is completely dissolved.

    A photo collage showing the different textures of rice pudding.

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer the milk mixture for approximately 50 minutes, stirring occasionally every 10 minutes or so to prevent scorching. Notice the transformation of the uncooked rice to plump grains at the halfway mark.

    Remove the pan from heat once you’ve reached the thick and creamy texture. Then, gently stir the scraped vanilla seeds from ½ a vanilla bean or one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.

    Transfer to a serving dish. If desired, serve warm or cold, with a sprinkling of ground cinnamon on top.

    Recipe Variations

    Consider adding one (or more) of these additional ingredients for a flavor twist on this simple rice pudding:

    • dried fruits such as dates, cranberries, or golden raisins
    • freshly grated nutmeg
    • lemon or orange zest
    • fresh fruit or frozen strawberries
    • stewed fruit
    • macerated strawberries

    As you can see, the possibilities are endless. So, go ahead and experiment to find your favorite combination!

    Whether you enjoy it as is or jazz it up with some fun additions, this Italian rice pudding recipe will surely become a family favorite.

    A close up photo of rice pudding sprinkled with ground cinnamon.

    Tips

    • Using 2% milk will result in a healthier version of this rice pudding compared to using either whole milk, heavy or whipped cream.
    • The total amount of saturated fat is lower compared to a recipe that includes eggs, whipped or heavy cream or even whole milk as part of the ingredients.
    • Be patient. Do not increase the heat, hoping this will reduce the total cooking time. Go slow and low, and you will be rewarded with a super creamy and chewy texture.
    • In the beginning, constantly stir the mixture to prevent the milk and rice from scorching.
    • During the last 10 minutes, stay close to your large saucepan and keep stirring every few minutes to prevent your rice pudding from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
    • Arborio rice will provide you with the best texture.
    • This homemade rice pudding will firm up once it has been chilled. It can easily be returned to its creamy state by adding a few tablespoons of milk, stirring and slightly heating the mixture.
    The creamy interior of pudding.

    FAQ

    Can you make rice pudding with cooked rice?

    Yes, but the end product will not be super creamy when compared to a rice pudding made from uncooked rice.

    Do you refrigerate rice pudding?

    Yes, allow to cool leftover arborio rice pudding completely to room temperature. Then store in an airtight container or in a dish covered with cling wrap. Refrigerate and consume within 5 days.

    Can you freeze rice pudding?

    Yes, simply place in individual freezer-safe containers, label, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it. The texture will be slightly different.

    Why is my rice pudding thick?

    If your rice pudding is too thick, it’s probably due to overcooking the rice. When making rice pudding, you want to cook the rice until it’s tender but not mushy. If your pudding is too thick, add a little milk and stir until desired consistency is reached.

    Arborio Rice Recipes

    Arborio rice is the perfect grain for making creamy Italian risotto.

    Risotto, a typical Italian dish, can be made with various vegetables. If you’re a fan of the creamy texture of arborio rice, you’ll love experimenting with different vegetables and flavors.

    • A close up of creamy risotto in a pewter plate.
      Easy Mushroom Risotto with 5 tips
    • Zucchini risotto on a platter.
      Zucchini Risotto with Squash Blossoms
    • Asparagus risotto in a white oval bowl, set next to a large spoon, ready to be served.
      Asparagus Risotto: It’s Easier Than You Think!
    • Spinach risotto in a white serving dish.
      Spinach Risotto Recipe

    Recipe Inspiration

    I adapted this recipe from a Canadian publication called Homemaker Magazine Recipes a few decades ago.

    In most recipes, you can usually decrease the total amount of sugar used without making a big difference in the final product.  That’s what I did for this recipe- I reduced the sugar.  I also eliminated the raisins (as my family is not fond of them) and used a vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract.

    I am convinced that these tiny little vanilla seeds provide the sensation of comfort in this healthy rice pudding.  Feel free to add raisins, cranberries, or even nuts to satisfy whatever you might be craving.

    This Italian rice pudding made with arborio rice is the ultimate comfort food, perfectly flavored with a vanilla bean.

    Simplicity at its best!

    THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community, where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.

    Ciao for now,

    Maria 

    WELCOME! Sign up for my FREE NEWSLETTER for more delicious recipes, tips and updates!

    ★★★★★ If you have made this recipe for the best arborio rice pudding, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

    Recipe

    Arborio rice pudding sprinkled with cinnamon powder in a white dessert dish.

    Healthy Italian Rice Pudding Recipe: Stovetop Method

    Creamy, comforting Arborio rice pudding made without eggs or heavy cream! This easy stovetop recipe is rich, delicious, and ready in an hour. Serve this easy, no-bake dessert warm or cold any time of the year!
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Save RecipeSaved! Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 192kcal
    Author: Maria Vannelli RD
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    Ingredients

    • ½ cup arborio rice
    • 4 cups milk 2% or whole milk
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon salt optional
    • ½ vanilla bean seeds scraped or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • sprinkle cinnamon optional

    Instructions

    • Combine rice, milk, sugar and salt in a medium saucepan.
    • Heat until just beginning to boil, stirring often.
    • Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for approximately 50 minutes or until thick and creamy. Stir every 10 minutes or so.
    • Remove from heat.
    • Gently stir in the scraped vanilla seeds or extract.
    • Can be served warm, room temperature or chilled.
    • WATCH THE VIDEO ON THE RECIPE CARD TO SEE HOW EASY THIS RECIPE IS TO MAKE!
    Enhance Your Cooking Experience!SCROLL UP for essential step-by-step photos embedded in the article above. When available, videos can be found in the next section. These visuals are designed to help you achieve perfect results every time. Happy cooking!

    Video

    Notes

    • Using 2% milk will result in a healthier version of this rice pudding compared to using either whole milk, heavy or whipped cream.
    • The total amount of saturated fat is lower compared to a recipe that includes eggs, whipped or heavy cream or even whole milk as part of the ingredients.
    • Be patient. Do not increase the heat, hoping this will reduce the total cooking time. Go slow and low and you will be rewarded with a super creamy and chewy texture.
    • In the beginning, be sure to constantly stir the mixture to prevent the milk and rice from scorching.
    • During the last 10 minutes, stay close to your large saucepan and keep stirring every few minutes to prevent your rice pudding from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
    • Arborio rice will provide you with the best texture.
    • This homemade rice pudding will firm up once it has been chilled. It can easily be returned to its creamy state by adding a few tablespoons of milk, stirring and slightly heating the mixture.
    Can you make rice pudding with cooked rice? Yes, but the end product will not be super creamy when compared to a rice pudding made from uncooked rice.
    Do you refrigerate rice pudding? Yes, allow to cool leftover arborio rice pudding completely to room temperature. Then store in an airtight container or in a dish covered with cling wrap. Refrigerate and consume within 5 days.
    Can you freeze rice pudding? Yes, it can also be frozen for up to three months although the texture will change slightly upon thawing. Simply place in individual freezer-safe containers, label and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it.
    Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. 
    *recipe lightly adapted from Homemakers’ Magazine

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 192kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 167mg | Potassium: 227mg | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 265IU | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 0.8mg
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    I originally published this post on November 10, 2014, and republished it on March 25, 2022, and again on January 12, 2024, with updated content.

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    Filed Under: Breakfast and Brunch, Desserts

    About Maria

    Maria Vannelli is a retired dietitian who lives in a suburb just outside Montreal, Canada. She's the founder of the food blog She Loves Biscotti. Maria hopes to inspire you and bring you and your loved ones closer together at meal times enabling you to create some memorable moments.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kay

      May 24, 2024 at 8:50 am

      5 stars
      Delicious , easy recipe. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t boil over. Once you get the 10 minute simmer down it’s a no fail.

      Reply
      • Maria

        May 24, 2024 at 8:12 pm

        Thanks for sharing Kay!

        Reply
    2. Jeanne

      January 19, 2024 at 9:38 am

      This rice pudding is excellent. I have used a recipe for years which would have set a dietician’s hair on fire. This recipe is healthy and good. I added raisins back into the recipe but with that the recipe is perfect for us. Thanks, Maria

      P.S. My husband’s grandmother came from the same town in Italy as your Mother.

      Reply
      • Maria

        January 19, 2024 at 9:59 am

        lol… best comment ever! Love your sense of humor Jeanne! I am so thrilled to read this. Thanks for taking the time to comment and share.

        Reply
    3. Antonia Schneider

      January 16, 2024 at 1:19 pm

      5 stars
      The best and only recipe I use. A big hit with the family. Thank you Maria.

      Reply
      • Maria

        January 19, 2024 at 10:00 am

        My pleasure Antonia! Thanks so much for sharing ♥

        Reply
        • Antonia

          February 15, 2024 at 4:39 pm

          Hi Maria I have been using your recipe for a while, never disappointed,
          Delicious recipes 😋
          Australia 🤔
          🇬🇸

        • Maria

          February 15, 2024 at 8:31 pm

          So thrilled to read this! Thanks so much Antonia!

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    Hi, I'm Maria! a dietitian (retired) and full-time content creator. Join me as I share traditional Italian recipes from my youth to modern twists on classics using fresh and seasonal ingredients.

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