Cinque Terre Herb-Infused Risotto

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

A creamy Arborio rice dish infused with Mediterranean herbs, inspired by the coastal villages of Italy's Cinque Terre. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 65 minutes pairs Arborio rice, chicken broth, white wine for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.1 (10 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in Arborio rice until coated, then deglaze with white wine. Cook for 2 minutes until absorbed.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add warm chicken broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly for 18-20 minutes until rice is al dente and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Stir in parmesan, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cinque Terre Herb-Infused Risotto take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (30 min prep + 35 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 Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre 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.

What goes well with Cinque Terre Herb-Infused 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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