One-Pot Tomato Basil Risotto

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

Creamy risotto made with fresh tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan, cooked in a single pot without constant stirring. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs arborio rice, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 395 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: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 395 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Finely chop 1/2 cup onion and mince 2 garlic cloves. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat, then sauté onion until translucent (5 minutes), adding garlic in the last minute.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1.5 cups arborio rice, coating each grain, and cook for 2 minutes until slightly translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 14 oz diced tomatoes (with juice) and 3 cups vegetable broth, then bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 20-22 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and let rest 5 minutes. Adjust salt to taste before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 One-Pot Tomato 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 One-Pot Tomato 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 One-Pot Tomato 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 One-Pot Tomato Basil Risotto?

Mediterranean one pot 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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