Classic Italian Risotto al Pomodoro

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

A creamy, tomato-based risotto with Arborio rice and fresh herbs for a rustic Italian meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 70 minutes pairs Arborio rice, tomato puree, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1/2 cup chicken broth. Add 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice begins to turn translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 cup tomato puree, 1 small diced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add 2 cups warm chicken broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Cook for 18-20 minutes until the rice is al dente and the mixture is creamy.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1/2 cup white wine, and season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of parmesan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Italian Risotto al Pomodoro take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 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 Classic Italian Risotto al Pomodoro?

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 Classic Italian Risotto al Pomodoro?

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 Classic Italian Risotto al Pomodoro 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 Classic Italian Risotto al Pomodoro?

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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