Creamy Tomato Mozzarella Risotto for Cozy Family Nights

This creamy Tomato Mozzarella Risotto is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering comforting flavors and quick preparation for family nights.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Resting Time 5

Total Time 45

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Risotto Base

2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds richness and flavor; substitute with vegetable oil for a neutral taste.
1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter Provides moisture and creaminess; can be replaced with additional olive oil if dairy-free.
1 medium Shallot Offers a mild onion flavor; yellow onion can be used as a substitute.
2 cloves Garlic Adds aromatic depth; adjust based on your preference for stronger or milder flavor.
1 teaspoon Salt Enhances all flavors; adjust according to taste and dietary needs.
0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper Provides a bite; consider using white pepper for a milder spice.
1 teaspoon Dried Basil For herbal notes; fresh basil offers a more vibrant flavor if available.
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Adds savory depth; Italian seasoning can be used as an alternative.
0.25 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Provides heat; simply omit them for a milder dish.
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Concentrates tomato flavor; replace with more puréed tomatoes if preferred.
1 cup Risotto Rice (Carnaroli or Arborio) Essential for the creamy texture; use other rice types sparingly.
4 cups Warm Chicken or Vegetable Broth Forms the cooking liquid and flavor base; ensure it’s warm to avoid cooking interruptions.

For the Tomato Goodness

1 cup Puréed Tomatoes Adds a fresh tomato essence; canned tomatoes may suffice in a pinch.
1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Provide sweetness and texture; substitute with grape tomatoes if needed.
1 cup Roasted Bell Peppers Adds sweetness and depth; you can roast fresh bell peppers for a homemade touch.

For the Creamy Finish

0.5 cup Heavy Cream Enhances richness; can replace with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
0.25 cup Grated Parmesan Adds umami flavor; nutritional yeast is a great alternative for vegan dishes.
1 cup Mozzarella Ball Melts to create a luscious texture; vegan cheese works as a substitute for dairy-free options.
0.5 cup Chopped Fresh Basil Leaves Adds freshness to the final dish; parsley can be used if desired.

Equipment

Large skillet or Dutch oven

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients for the Tomato Mozzarella Risotto. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and chop 1 shallot finely; halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and chop 1 cup of roasted bell peppers.
Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat for about 1 minute until it's shimmering gently.
Add Seasonings: Once the shallot is translucent and the garlic aromatic, stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
Incorporate Tomato Paste and Rice: Next, add in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and mix thoroughly with the sautéed shallots and garlic. Then, add 1 cup of risotto rice (Carnaroli or Arborio) and stir constantly for about 1 minute.
Gradually Add Broth: Now, begin adding 4 cups of warm chicken or vegetable broth, starting with ½ cup at a time. Stir frequently for approximately 15 minutes.
Mix in Puréed Ingredients: Once the rice is nearly cooked, stir in 1 cup of puréed tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped roasted bell peppers.
Adjust Consistency if Needed: Evaluate the risotto’s consistency; it should be creamy and flow smoothly when stirred. If too thick, gradually add more broth.
Finish with Cream and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining tablespoon of butter, and chopped fresh basil.
Season to Taste: Taste your Tomato Mozzarella Risotto and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Let the risotto rest for about 3–5 minutes off the heat.
Serve Warm: Finally, serve your creamy Tomato Mozzarella Risotto right away, garnishing with extra fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best results, use warm broth, stir gently, and avoid overcooking the rice.

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