Gin Basil Risotto
A creamy Italian-inspired risotto infused with fresh basil and a splash of gin for a sophisticated twist. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs arborio rice, gin, small, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 2 tbsp gin
- 1 small, diced onion
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 0.5 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup white wine
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes. Deglaze with 1/4 cup white wine, stirring until absorbed.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp gin and 4 cups warm chicken broth, one ladle at a time, cooking for 18-20 minutes until rice is al dente.
- Step 4: Fold in 1/4 cup fresh basil and 0.5 cup grated parmesan. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gin Basil Risotto take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (30 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 Gin Basil 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 Gin Basil 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 Gin Basil 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 Gin Basil 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
