Extra-creamy and extra-flavorful classic risotto packed with lots of pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes!
How you’re currently wishing your Monday was going down. —>
You’re wishing it was looking as obnoxiously green as mine is. Don’t deny it.
So guys. Do you by any chance remember my ginormous obsession with risotto back in this post? I more or less embarrassed myself by chattering for like 10 hours about how much I loved risotto and all the reasons why. I won’t do that to you today. Or will I…Seriously, we’re bringing ALL that good stuff back today. Only we’re also inviting pesto to join the party and stay awhile.
Yep, I went ahead and made the whole pan green. Again. What won’t I green-ify these days?
Superquickie sidenote: I got back from my trip to Topeka late last night and as of this Monday morning it is officially back to the exhausting realms of reality for this girl.
And I’m kinda worried for my coffee supply to be honest…
So I’m fighting those post-spring break blues with cozy risotto and plenty ‘o green and no one shall tell me otherwise.
Guys, tell me you aren’t obsessed with the contents of this entire beyoo-tiful pan. The flavor-PACKED pesto. The soft, sweet cherry tomatoes. ALL that Parmesan perfec-tion. Ooh-boy…
Man, oh man, guys we sure know how to do Monday up right.
If you aren’t properly obsessed yet…here’s the pan. Go to town.
Your face. This risotto. 25 minutes. Aaaand GO!
Parmesan Pesto Risotto with Cherry Tomatoes
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1-1/2 cups arborio rice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth, warmed
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1-1/2 cups fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat oil and add shallot. Saute until just tender. Add rice to skillet and stir 1-2 minutes until rice is lightly toasted. Add garlic and saute 1 additional minute until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and begin adding warm chicken broth to rice, a little bit at a time, waiting until liquid is evaporated before adding more broth.
- Continue adding broth in small amounts 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and creamy. Stir in pesto, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Season risotto with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve risotto immediately while warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
Need more excuses to love on pesto? Try these!
Creamy Basil Pesto Chicken Tetrazzini
Garden Veggie Pesto Scrambled Eggs
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I really wish I had this for lunch today! Pesto and risotto are two of my favorites, so I can only imagine how delicious this must taste! And I love the pretty green color, too! Such a perfect dish, Sarah!
Sarah says
Thanks Gayle! Green risotto is just always winning, right??
Medha says
This looks fabulous! Pesto and risotto are two of my favorite things- and anything green is a must for spring! Pinning 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks for pinning, Medha! You need to try this risotto…asap!!
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Allergy Friendly Eats says
Risotto is one of my favorite meals…this green version looks so fresh for spring!
Sarah says
Thanks so much Kelly!
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
I totally feel your obsession with risotto — it is THE. BEST. I love all of these things! Definitely need to try this one!
Sarah says
Heck yes, it is the best!! 🙂
Manali @ CookWithManali says
pesto makes everything better! this looks like total comfort food, love it Sarah! 🙂
Sarah says
TRUTH. 😉 Thanks Manali!
Annie says
Simply amazing!! I am so obsessed with risotto right now!
Sarah says
You and me both, girl!!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
I was SO obsessed with your last risotto…and I’m maybe even more obsessed with pesto! I think I may have stirred pesto into your last recipe as my only addition…haha. Which means…I NEED to try this one. Like, yesterday. It looks swoon-worthy, and is definitely going on this weeks dinner list.
Sarah says
Eek!! Girl, you are going to go NUTS for this risotto if you have a thing for pesto! Can’t wait to hear how you like it! xoxo
CAROLINA says
HI, THIS LOOKS AMAZING AND I´M PLANNING MAKING IT, BUT THE RECEPI SAYS IT SERVES 25??? THAT’S A TYPO RIGHT?
Sarah Wills says
Approximately how many cups does this make?
Sarah says
It will make around 4-5 cups risotto!