Best Chef's Classic Risotto

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, savory rice dish perfected with Arborio rice and rich broth, finished with a touch of Parmesan and truffle oil for an indulgent experience. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes pairs Arborio rice, Chicken bone broth, White wine for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp Parmesan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add Arborio rice and stir to coat with butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly toasted, then deglaze with 1/2 cup white wine, stirring until absorbed.
  3. Step 3: Begin adding warm chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Continue until rice is creamy and tender, about 18-20 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in remaining 2 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and truffle oil. Season with black pepper. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Chef's Classic Risotto take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Best Chef's Classic Risotto?

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 Best Chef's Classic Risotto?

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 Best Chef's Classic Risotto 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 Best Chef's Classic Risotto?

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.

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