One-Pot Tomato and Basil Risotto

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-30 · Updated 2026-04-30

A creamy and comforting risotto cooked in one pot with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, making a perfect vegetarian meal. This italian-inspired 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 320 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 olive oil
• 1 small, finely diced yellow onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 1/2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
• 4 cups, heated vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup, grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 small finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic, then add 1 cup arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the edges look translucent.
3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and cook, stirring frequently, until the wine is mostly absorbed, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1 tsp kosher salt, then begin adding 4 cups heated vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Wait until each ladleful is almost completely absorbed before adding the next. This process will take about 20 minutes.
5. Step 5: When the rice is creamy and tender yet firm to the bite, stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately.