Rich & Creamy Tomato Risotto

A Cozy & Comforting Meal 🍅✨

If you love creamy, flavorful risotto, this Tomato Risotto is the perfect dish to try. Made with arborio rice, red wine, crushed tomatoes, and broth, it’s a rich and hearty meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

The deep flavors of slow-cooked garlic, onions, and wine add depth, while the creamy, starchy rice creates that signature risotto texture. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this restaurant-quality risotto is perfect for cozy dinners, date nights, or even a fancy dinner party!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Rich & Creamy – Perfectly tender arborio rice with a velvety tomato sauce.✔ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Impress your family with this Italian classic!✔ Packed with Flavor – A balance of garlic, onions, wine, and tangy tomatoes.✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – A cozy weeknight meal or an elegant side dish.

The Recipe: Tomato Risotto

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

• 2 ¼ cups broth (vegetable or chicken)

• 1 cup red wine

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 ¼ cups arborio rice

• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

📌 Optional Add-Ins:

• Parmesan or mozzarella cheese – For an extra creamy, cheesy risotto.

• Fresh basil or parsley – Adds a bright, fresh touch.

• Red pepper flakes – For a little heat!

Instructions

1. Heat the Broth

• In a small saucepan, heat the broth over low heat. Keep it warm but not boiling.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• In a large pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

• Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

• Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

3. Toast the Rice

• Add the arborio rice to the pan and stir well, coating it in the butter and aromatics.

• Toast the rice for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly translucent at the edges.

4. Deglaze with Wine 🍷

• Pour in the red wine, stirring frequently, and let it cook down until mostly absorbed, about 2–3 minutes.

• This step adds deep flavor and richness to the risotto!

5. Add the Tomatoes & Broth (Slowly!)

• Stir in the crushed tomatoes and salt.

• Begin adding the warm broth, ½ cup at a time, stirring frequently.

• Allow the liquid to absorb before adding the next ladle of broth.

• Continue this process for 20–25 minutes, until the rice is creamy and tender but still slightly al dente.

6. Final Touches & Serve

• Taste and adjust salt as needed.

• If using, stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for extra richness.

• Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, flavorful risotto!

Tips for Perfect Tomato Risotto

✔ Stir Often! – Stirring releases the rice’s natural starch, creating that signature creamy texture.✔ Warm the Broth First – Adding warm broth helps the risotto cook evenly.✔ Use Good Wine – A dry red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir works beautifully. I personally buy a $3-$ 4 bottle of wine, once it is cooked it all tastes the same. ✔ Taste as You Go – Adjust seasoning and stop cooking when the rice is tender but not mushy.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

This Tomato Risotto is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

🥩 Grilled Steak or Chicken – Adds protein for a complete meal.🥗 Fresh Green Salad – A light, refreshing contrast.🥖 Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up every last bit of creamy risotto!

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

This Tomato Risotto is a flavor-packed, comforting dish that’s easy to make but feels special enough for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a date night, or a dinner party, this rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced risotto will be a hit.

If you try this recipe, tag me on Instagram @Weeknight_Homemaker—I’d love to see your delicious risotto creations!

Happy cooking!

Lauren 💕

The Weeknight Homemaker