One-Pot Italian Tomato Basil Risotto with Parmesan

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

A creamy risotto cooked in one pot featuring ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, finished with Parmesan cheese for a comforting Italian classic. This italian-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs Arborio rice, olive oil, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced small yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the edges of the grains become translucent.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and cook, stirring, until most of the liquid has evaporated.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juice and 4 cups warmed vegetable broth, 1 cup at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each addition to absorb before adding the next, cooking over medium-low heat for about 18-20 minutes until rice is creamy and al dente.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well and remove from heat. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving garnished with extra basil leaves if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Italian Tomato Basil Risotto with Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 One-Pot Italian Tomato Basil Risotto with Parmesan?

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 One-Pot Italian Tomato Basil Risotto with Parmesan?

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 One-Pot Italian Tomato Basil Risotto with Parmesan 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 One-Pot Italian Tomato Basil Risotto with Parmesan 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.