Gin Basil Risotto

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

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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes. Deglaze with 1/4 cup white wine, stirring until absorbed.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Fold in 1/4 cup fresh basil and 0.5 cup grated parmesan. Serve immediately.

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.

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