Herb-Infused Garden Risotto
A creamy Arborio rice dish infused with garden herbs and finished with a burst of fresh tomatoes. This italian-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs arborio rice, small, diced onion, minced garlic 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 1/2 cups arborio rice
- 1 small, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice, stir to coat, then deglaze with 1/2 cup white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot.
- Step 3: Gradually add 4 cups warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until the rice is al dente and creamy. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Infused Garden 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 Herb-Infused Garden 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 Herb-Infused Garden 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 Herb-Infused Garden 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.
Is Herb-Infused Garden Risotto vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order italian delivery again.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
