Aperol-Infused Risotto with Bitter Greens
A creamy risotto infused with Aperol's bittersweet flavor, paired with earthy bitter greens for balance. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs arborio rice, Aperol, small, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1 small, diced onion
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups, chopped bitter greens
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice, cooking for 1 minute until the grains are slightly toasted. Add 2 oz Aperol and 1/2 cup white wine, stirring until the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 3: Gradually add 4 cups warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously for 18-20 minutes until the rice is al dente and creamy. Stir in 2 cups chopped bitter greens and 1/2 cup Parmesan, mixing until wilted. Season with salt and black pepper.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Risotto with Bitter Greens take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Aperol-Infused Risotto with Bitter Greens?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep arborio rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Infused Risotto with Bitter Greens?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Aperol-Infused Risotto with Bitter Greens for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Aperol-Infused Risotto with Bitter Greens?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
