Begin by finely chopping the shallot and mincing the garlic to release their flavors. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the roasted bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Having all your ingredients ready will streamline the cooking process and help you efficiently create your Creamy Tomato Mozzarella Risotto.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the chopped shallots and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and translucent, creating a flavorful base for your risotto.

Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes as well. Cook this aromatic mixture for an additional minute, allowing the spices to wake up and infuse into the sautéed shallots and garlic.

Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and then add 1 cup of risotto rice (Carnaroli or Arborio) to the skillet. Toast the rice for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until it’s evenly coated with the aromatic mixture and slightly translucent—a sign that it’s ready to absorb the liquids that follow.

Slowly pour in 4 cups of warm chicken or vegetable broth, adding ½ cup at a time while stirring continuously. Wait for the rice to absorb most of the liquid before adding more. This process will take about 15 minutes; look for the rice to become creamy and tender yet slightly al dente at the end of this step.

Once the risotto rice is creamy, mix in 1 cup of puréed tomatoes, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped roasted bell peppers. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, letting the fresh ingredients meld with the risotto and provide delightful bursts of flavor and freshness.

Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Mix until everything is combined and creamy. As the cheese melts, it adds extra richness to the risotto, ensuring your Creamy Tomato Mozzarella Risotto is both luscious and satisfying.

Before serving, taste your risotto and adjust the seasoning as desired. Once satisfied, cover the skillet for about 3-5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This resting step is key for achieving that perfect, harmonious blend of flavors, making your Creamy Tomato Mozzarella Risotto an even more comforting dish.