True Gourmet Tomato-Basil Risotto
A minimalist risotto celebrating 'real' ingredients without artificial enhancements, featuring sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs arborio rice, vegetable broth, medium, diced ripe tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 1.5 cups arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 medium, diced ripe tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup, freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1.5 cups arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes until grains are translucent around the edges.
- Step 2: Pour in 1/2 cup white wine and stir constantly until evaporated (about 2 minutes), then add 4 cups vegetable broth in 1-cup increments, stirring constantly until absorbed before adding more.
- Step 3: After 15 minutes of simmering, stir in 2 diced medium tomatoes and 1/4 tsp salt, cooking for 5 more minutes until rice is creamy and al dente.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, mixing until cheese melts and sauce coats the rice.
- Step 5: Let rest for 3 minutes before serving, adjusting salt if needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does True Gourmet 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 True Gourmet 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 True Gourmet 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 True Gourmet 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 True Gourmet 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
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
