Best of Italy: Herb-Infused Risotto
Creamy Arborio rice infused with fresh basil, thyme, and Parmesan, finished with a splash of white wine for a luxurious, comforting dish. This italian-inspired pasta (gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs Arborio rice, Dry white wine, Chicken or vegetable broth 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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
- 1/3 cup Dry white wine
- 4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp, chopped Fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- to taste Salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice and stir for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Pour in 1/3 cup white wine and stir until fully absorbed. Add 1/2 cup broth and 1/2 cup cream, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed. Repeat, adding 1/2 cup broth at a time, until the rice is creamy and al dente (about 18-20 minutes total).
- Step 3: Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup basil, 1 tbsp thyme, and 1 tbsp butter. Season with salt. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best of Italy: Herb-Infused Risotto take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Best of Italy: Herb-Infused 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 of Italy: Herb-Infused 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 of Italy: Herb-Infused 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.
Is Best of Italy: Herb-Infused Risotto gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
