Herb-Infused Lemon Risotto with Parmesan Crust

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

Creamy Arborio rice cooked in aromatic lemon broth, topped with a golden Parmesan crust and fresh basil for a bright, indulgent finish. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs arborio rice, lemon, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add arborio rice and stir to coat with oil, 2-3 minutes until grains are glossy. Pour in white wine and let absorb completely, 2-3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Begin adding broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is absorbed before adding more. Repeat until rice is al dente, about 18-20 minutes total. Stir in lemon zest and juice during last 2 minutes of cooking.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat. Stir in remaining 2 tbsp butter and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Transfer to a serving dish, top with remaining Parmesan, and broil 2-3 minutes until golden crust forms. Garnish with basil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Lemon Risotto with Parmesan Crust take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Lemon Risotto with Parmesan Crust?

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 Lemon Risotto with Parmesan Crust?

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 Lemon Risotto with Parmesan Crust 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 Herb-Infused Lemon Risotto with Parmesan Crust?

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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