Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Risotto

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

A creamy Italian rice dish infused with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. This Italian-inspired one-pot recipe (gluten-free), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs Arborio rice, Sun-dried tomatoes, Fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 cups Arborio rice and stir to coat with oil, cooking for 1 minute until rice edges turn translucent.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup white wine and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until evaporated.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cups chicken broth, 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until rice is tender but still slightly firm.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp butter and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sun-Dried Tomato and 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 Sun-Dried Tomato and 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 Sun-Dried Tomato and 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 Sun-Dried Tomato and 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.

Is Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Risotto gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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