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Parmesan Pesto Risotto

Creamy Parmesan Pesto Risotto for Comforting Weeknight Dinners

This Creamy Parmesan Pesto Risotto highlights the elegance of Northern Italian cuisine, redefines comfort food, and caters to vegetarian and gluten-free diets.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Risotto
  • 1 cup Arborio Rice Short-grain rice fundamental for creamy risotto.
  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth Use warm for steady cooking.
  • 0.5 cup Dry White Wine Adds complexity; can swap with broth for non-alcoholic.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Incorporates rich creaminess.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Great for sautéing aromatics.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Provides base flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh enhances savory essence.
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated preferred.
  • 0.5 cup Basil Pesto Homemade or store-bought, check for gluten-free.
For Seasoning and Garnish
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • a handful Fresh Basil Leaves For garnish.
  • 2 tablespoons Pine Nuts Toasted for garnish.

Equipment

  • Large saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 1 diced yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
  2. Stir in 1 cup of Arborio rice and cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the edges are translucent.
  3. Pour in ½ cup of dry white wine, stirring constantly and allow to simmer for about 2–3 minutes until mostly absorbed.
  4. Begin adding 4 cups of warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently for about 18–20 minutes until creamy and al dente.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and ½ cup of basil pesto until creamy.
  6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Use warm broth for even cooking and stir constantly for creaminess. Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.

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