Finely chop the onion. Finely chop the thyme leaves, discarding the tough stems. Crumble the stock cubes into a heatproof jug, add 500ml (2 cups) boiling water and stir to dissolve.
Step 2 — Start risotto
Heat 1 tbs olive oil in a medium deep frypan over medium heat. Cook the onion and thyme, stirring regularly, for 3 mins or until softened.
Step 3 — Cook risotto
Add the rice to the onion mixture and cook, stirring, for 1 min or until the grains are well coated. Stir in the stock, reduce the heat to low and cook, covered, for 15 mins or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is almost tender.
Step 4 — Finish prep
While the risotto is cooking, wipe the mushrooms clean, then thinly slice. Coarsely chop the spinach.
Step 5 — Cook pepitas and mushroom
Put the pepitas in a cold medium frypan over medium heat (starting with a cold pan ensures the seeds toast evenly and prevents them burning). Toast, tossing, for 2-3 mins until evenly golden. Remove from the pan. Melt 20g butter in the pan over medium heat. Cook the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 mins until golden.
Step 6 — Finish risotto and serve
Stir the mushrooms, spinach and cream cheese into the risotto. Remove the pan from the heat, cover and stand for 5 mins. Taste, then season with salt and pepper. Divide the risotto among bowls and scatter with pepitas to serve.