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Creamy Tomato Mozzarella Risotto

Indulgent Creamy Tomato Mozzarella Risotto in Just 30 Minutes

Delight your senses with this Creamy Tomato Mozzarella Risotto, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil A perfect starter to sauté your ingredients; vegetable oil can do in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter Adds a rich, creamy layer; feel free to use salted if unsalted isn't handy.
  • 1 medium Shallot This aromatic vegetable brings depth to your risotto; finely chopped yellow onion works well too.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic enhances flavors wonderfully; use fresh for the best results.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt Essential for flavor enhancement; adjust depending on your broth’s saltiness.
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper A touch of mild heat; consider white pepper if you prefer a subtler flavor.
For the Flavor Boost
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Introduces a lovely herbaceous note; fresh basil amps up the taste even more.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Provides an extra layer of herbal depth; fresh is a splendid substitute.
  • 1 pinch Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Introduces a hint of heat; simply omit for a milder experience.
For the Risotto
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Intensifies the tomato essence in your dish.
  • 1 cup Risotto Rice Either Carnaroli or Arborio creates the signature creamy texture that's essential for risotto.
  • 4 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth A warm, flavorful foundation; ensuring it’s warm keeps the cooking process smooth.
  • 1 cup Puréed Tomatoes Adds moisture and a rich tomato flavor to the risotto.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved to brighten your dish; diced Roma tomatoes are a great choice too.
  • 1 cup Roasted Bell Peppers These sweet additions should be chopped into bite-sized pieces for even flavor distribution.
For the Creamy Finish
  • ¼ cup Heavy Cream This gives the dish its luxurious creaminess; half-and-half is a lighter option if preferred.
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Rich in umami flavor; swap it with nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
  • 1 ball Mozzarella Ball Essential for that gooey, indulgent texture that makes risotto irresistible.
  • ¼ cup Chopped Fresh Basil Leaves Adds a fresh burst of flavor to finish; try parsley if you’re out of basil.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Chopping board
  • Knife
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Gather all your ingredients to make the Creamy Tomato Mozzarella Risotto. Finely chop the shallot and mince the garlic. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the roasted bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic, sauté for about 2 minutes until translucent.
  3. Season with ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir for about 1 minute.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste into the skillet, then add 1 cup of risotto rice, stirring for about 1 minute to toast the rice.
  5. Gradually add 4 cups of warm chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet, in ½ cup increments, stirring continuously.
  6. Add in 1 cup of puréed tomatoes, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of chopped roasted bell peppers. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and pour in ¼ cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix in any remaining butter and sprinkle in the chopped fresh basil leaves. Stir for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then cover the skillet and let it rest for 3-5 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This creamy risotto is perfect for busy weeknights and can be made ahead of time.

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