Cornell Ivy League Italian-Style Herb Chicken with Garlic Risotto

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

Pan-seared herb chicken breast paired with creamy garlic risotto inspired by classic Italian flavors. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, fresh rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.5 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, and 1 tbsp chopped thyme. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp olive oil plus 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add 1 cup Arborio rice and stir to coat grains for 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add warm 4 cups chicken broth, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently and allowing liquid to absorb before adding more. Continue for 18-20 minutes until rice is creamy and tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, plus remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve the creamy garlic risotto topped with the herb chicken breasts.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cornell Ivy League Italian-Style Herb Chicken with Garlic Risotto take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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 Cornell Ivy League Italian-Style Herb Chicken with Garlic 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cornell Ivy League Italian-Style Herb Chicken with Garlic 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 Cornell Ivy League Italian-Style Herb Chicken with Garlic 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 Cornell Ivy League Italian-Style Herb Chicken with Garlic Risotto?

Italian chicken 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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