Red-Light Infused Tomato Basil Risotto

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy risotto kissed with the warmth of red tomatoes and fresh basil, echoing the therapeutic glow of red light. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs arborio rice, medium, diced red tomatoes, small, diced onion 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.

★ 4.2 (9 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 1/3 cup Arborio rice and toast for 1 minute.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add warm chicken broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until the rice is creamy and al dente (about 18-20 minutes).
  4. Step 4: Fold in parmesan, basil, and remaining broth to adjust consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with basil leaves.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Red-Light Infused Tomato Basil 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 Red-Light Infused 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 Red-Light Infused 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 Red-Light Infused 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 Red-Light Infused Tomato Basil Risotto?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes