Best Pesto Risotto Recipes

BASIL PESTO RISOTTO WITH PAN-ROASTED SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Place basil, spinach, and pine nuts in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to chop. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil in a steady stream until pesto is creamy, stopping to scrape down sides. Stir in 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese and black pepper with a spoon.
• Heat chicken stock and water in separate saucepans over medium heat until simmering, about 5 minutes; reduce heat, cover, and keep warm.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until foamy. Add shallots; cook and stir until soft, about 5 minutes. Add rice and saffron; stir until coated with butter. Pour in wine and simmer until absorbed, about 5 minutes.
• Pour enough warm stock into the saucepan to barely cover the rice; cook and stir until absorbed. Continue adding stock, and then water, stirring constantly, until each addition is absorbed and rice is tender yet firm to the bite and risotto is thick and creamy, about 20 minutes.
• Spoon pesto into risotto. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese.
• Pat scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Arrange scallops in the hot skillet and cook, without touching, until deep golden brown underneath, about 2 minutes. Flip each scallop and sear on the second side until golden brown, about 2 minutes more.
• Serve scallops over risotto.

RISOTTO WITH PESTO AND PEAS

Steps:

• Make the broth: Bring 6 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Adjust the heat to keep the broth at a gentle simmer.
• Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon butter in a wide saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add the wine and cook, stirring, until almost evaporated, about 1 more minute.
• Add 2 cups of the hot leek broth to the rice; cook, stirring occasionally, until almost absorbed, about 6 minutes (adjust the heat to keep the risotto at a simmer). Add 1 more cup broth and cook, stirring, until almost absorbed, about 5 more minutes. Add the leeks, peas and 1 more cup broth and cook, stirring, until almost absorbed, about 5 more minutes. Taste the rice: If it is not fully cooked, add a little more broth and continue to cook, stirring, until al dente.
• Stir in the ham and remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Remove from the heat; stir in 2/3 cup pesto, the mozzarella and Parmesan. Season with salt. Divide among bowls and top with the remaining pesto.

COURGETTE & BROAD BEAN RISOTTO WITH BASIL PESTO

Steps:

• To make the pesto, crush the garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt using a pestle and mortar. Add the pine nuts and pound to a coarse paste, then tear in the basil and mint, pounding again until they've broken down. Stir in the oil and cheese, then taste for seasoning - add more cheese if you like.
• Heat the oil and butter in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the courgettes, sprinkle in the chilli flakes and nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Fry for 3-5 mins until the courgettes are golden and softened. Add the spring onions and lemon zest, and stir for a minute or two. Tip in the rice and stir to coat in the oil until translucent, about 2 mins.
• Pour in the wine, then cook for a couple of minutes until it's mostly evaporated. Add a ladleful of the stock and stir for a few minutes until it's absorbed. Continue adding a ladleful at a time for 20-30 mins, stirring continually, until all of the stock is absorbed.
• Stir in the blanched broad beans and flowers, if using, and warm through for 2 mins. Remove from the heat and stir through the parmesan. Allow to sit for about 5 mins, then swirl through half of the pesto. Any remaining pesto will keep chilled for up to two days.
• Divide the risotto between bowls and scatter with the extra basil leaves, extra cheese and another spoonful of the pesto, if you like.

ORZOTTO WITH ZUCCHINI & PESTO (ORZO RISOTTO)

Steps:

• For the pesto: In a small food processor or blender, combine pine nuts (optional), garlic and basil. Pulse to chop, then while continuing to pulse, slowly pour in the oil to make a chunky mixture; do not purée. Transfer to a small bowl, and add the Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano. Mix well, and season with salt, pepper and chili flakes to taste. Set aside.
• For the orzotto: Place vegetable broth in a small saucepan and bring to a bare simmer. In another small saucepan, bring 2 cups of lightly salted water to a bare simmer. In a skillet over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil and onion, and sauté until soft and translucent, 5 to 10 minutes. Add orzo and sauté until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add wine and sauté until evaporated. Season lightly with salt.
• Add 1 cup hot broth and simmer, stirring constantly, until liquid is almost absorbed. Add 1 cup hot water and repeat. Continue to alternately add broth and water 1/2 cup at a time until orzotto is tender; total cooking time will be 16 to 20 minutes and all the broth or water may not be needed. The finished orzo should be golden yellow (add too much water and the flavor will be weak; add too much broth and the color will darken). Set aside finished orzo, cover and keep warm.
• In a small skillet over medium heat, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and add zucchini. Sauté until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir zucchini and 2 tablespoons pesto into the orzo (reserve any remaining pesto for another use). Add Parmigiano-Reggiano, stir until melted and adjust salt as needed. Serve immediately.

OVEN RISOTTO WITH KALE PESTO

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Toast walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Let cool.
• Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large ovenproof saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened and translucent, 5-8 minutes. Stir in rice; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until some grains are translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add wine, bring to a simmer, and cook until pan is almost dry, about 3 minutes. Add 2 cups very hot water; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and bake in oven until liquid is mostly absorbed but rice is still starchy in the center, 15-18 minutes (it should be undercooked).
• Meanwhile, pulse garlic and half of toasted walnuts in a food processor until very finely ground. Add parsley, chives, half of kale, remaining 2 tablespoons oil, and 1/4 cup cold water; process until smooth; season pesto with salt and pepper.
• Set saucepan over medium heat. Add 3/4 cup very hot water and cook rice, stirring constantly, until it is tender but still has some bite and sauce is creamy, about 3 minutes. Stir in pesto, butter, three-quarters of Parmesan, and remaining kale. Adjust consistency with water, if needed; season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with remaining walnuts and cheese.

PESTO & GOAT'S CHEESE RISOTTO

Steps:

• Pour a glug of olive oil into a large saucepan. Tip in the rice and fry for 1 min. Add half the stock and cook until absorbed. Add the remaining stock, a ladle at a time, and cook until the rice is al dente, stirring continually, for 20-25 mins.
• Stir through the pesto and half the goat's cheese. Serve topped with the remaining cheese.

SHRIMP WITH ARUGULA PESTO RISOTTO

Steps:

• To make the pesto combine all of the ingredients into a food processor and blend until a paste is formed and set aside.
• Using a saucepot, combine the rice and the butter and mix well over medium heat. Cook it stirring until a roasted aroma develops. Add the liquid in several additions, stirring the rice frequently. Cook the risotto until the rice is al dente, and most of the liquid is absorbed, it should take about 20 minutes. The texture should be creamy.
• Add the pesto to the risotto and mix well. Cook another minute.
• Saute the shrimp in olive oil until pink and tails are curled, about 3 to 5 minutes. To serve, plate the risotto in the center of the plate and top with the shrimp.

GREEN RISOTTO WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Heat some oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion, stir for 2 min. then add the rice and toast it, stirring constantly, for 1 min.
• Add the wine and stir until evaporated. Add the artichoke, the celery and the courgette. Then add 1 ladleful of hot stock, stir until absorbed. Reduce the heat. Add the rest of stock a ladleful at time -stirring continously- until the rice is almost cooked and stock absorbed.
• Meanwhile make the pesto: put the basil leaves, garlic, cheese and pine nuts to the processor, pulse adding enough oil to obtain a creamy sauce. Season with salt.
• Before (5 min.) the rice is completely cooked stir the peas and the pesto through the risotto. Serve topped with basil leaves and, if liked, a grated of lemon peel.

RISOTTO WITH FRESH BASIL-MINT PESTO

Steps:

• PESTO: In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, mint, garlic and lemon zest. Blend until smooth. Add the salt and pine nuts, pulsing until nuts are chopped.
• With motor running, slowly drizzle the lemon juice and 2 tablespoons olive oil through the feed tube until you have a smooth puree.
• Season pesto to taste with pepper and set aside. Pesto can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance. For best results, do not freeze.
• RISOTTO: In a saucepan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Saute the shallots until soft, approximately 2 minutes. Next, add the arborio rice, cooking until grains are opaque and "glisten", about another 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the rice, reducing heat if necessary!
• {{Slowly}} stir in 1 cup hot broth. Once broth is absorbed, add more broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring the rice constantly. Stir until liquid is absorbed.
• For the next step, add the boiling water in the same manner as the broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Stop adding water when rice is almost done- or "al dente". (That means you may or may not use all of the boiling water.).
• When rice is al dente, continue stirring constantly. Rice should look moist and not dried out;- the grains creamy looking.
• Keep stirring the arborio rice until thick and creamy about 5 minutes more.
• Season to taste with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
• To serve, divide the cooked risotto among 4 bowls and stir in 1/4 cup of the pesto into each bowl.
• Serve the Parmesan cheese on the side, if desired.

VEGETABLE RISOTTO WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Begin by melting the butter in a large saucepan or wok.
• Add the onion and fry for a few minutes.
• Add the pepper to the onion and fry for another two or three minutes.
• Turn the heat down to medium-low.
• Add the rice and stir to coat.
• The rice grains should turn from cloudy to clear.
• Begin adding the bouillon, about 1/4 cup at a time.
• It's important to keep stirring, as the rice will absorb the liquid quickly and could burn if left unattended.
• After about 10 minutes, add the chopped tomato and the zucchini.
• After 20 minutes add the mushrooms.
• Continue to add bouillon when the rice has absorbed it.
• After about 25 minutes add the peas.
• The bouillon should be just about up by now.
• The rice usually takes about 25-30 minutes to finish cooking.
• To test for doneness, take a bite.
• It could be a bit chewy, but shouldn't be really hard.
• After the bouillon has been used up and the rice is done, stir in the pesto.
• Mix well.
• You can add salt and pepper to taste.
• Mixing in some extra grated parmesan makes the rice a bit creamier.
• Top with a bit of parmesan, if desired.
• Serve with a nice crusty bread.
• For Vegetarian use the Vegetable Stock.

ASPARAGUS AND PARSLEY PESTO RISOTTO BAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
• In a heavy oven-proof pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the shallot and cook until translucent and softened, about 4 minutes.
• Add the garlic and rice; season with salt and pepper.
• Cook, stirring, until the rice is toasted, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in the broth and 1 1/4 cups water. Transfer immediately to the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, using a food processor, finely chop the parsley, 1/2 cup Parmesan, the pine nuts and the lemon peel.
• Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and process until blended; Set the pesto aside.
• Remove the risotto from the oven and stir in the asparagus and the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan.
• Continue to bake until the rice is tender, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the reserved pesto and serve with extra Parmesan.
• Enjoy! ;).

BAKED ARTICHOKE AND PESTO RISOTTO

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 200°C.
• Heat passata and stock in pot - bring to boil.
• Cook onion in olive oil till softened in frypan.
• Add rice and artichokes to onion and stir for 1 -2 minutes.
• Add pesto to hot tomato liquid - stir to combine.
• Put contents of both pots into a casserole with lid.
• Bake 35 minutes.
• Remove lid and stir a few times then re-cover and bake 5 -10 mins more.
• Season and add some grated parmesan and serve.

PESTO RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• In small food processor bowl, place the parsley, green onions and pesto.
• Pulse until well combined.
• Set aside.
• In medium pot, bring stock to a boil.
• Cook leeks in stock for about 4 minutes.
• Remove with slotted spoon to a bowl.
• Set aside.
• Keep stock on low simmer.
• In large pot, over medium high heat, melt the butter and saute the rice until well coated.
• Add the wine and cook until almost absorbed.
• Add 2 cups of the stock and continue to simmer until almost absorbed.
• Continue this process until rice is cooked and creamy.
• Add the leeks, ham, asparagus, Parmesan cheese and 2/3 cup of the pesto.
• Taste for seasoning.
• Lastly stir in the cheese balls.
• Serve immediately in hot serving bowls and top with remaining pesto.

RISOTTO WITH HERB PESTO, POTATO, AND GREEN BEANS

Steps:

• Pulse pine nuts, garlic, and herbs in a food processor until finely chopped. Season with salt and pepper; with motor running, stream in 1/3 cup oil until combined. Season to taste.
• Bring a pot of water to a boil and season with salt. Add green beans and cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a spider or slotted spoon, transfer to a plate. Add potato to pot and simmer until tender but not falling apart, about 6 minutes; drain.
• In same pot, combine broth, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and maintain a bare simmer, partially covered (to avoid evaporation).
• Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large straight-sided skillet over medium. Add onion and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring, until translucent and grains begin to make a popping sound, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in wine; cook until mostly evaporated, about 30 seconds.
• Ladle about 1 cup broth mixture into skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of broth has been absorbed and bottom of skillet stays visible for a second or two as you mix, 2 to 3 minutes. Continue ladling broth into skillet, about 1/2 cup at a time (or enough to just cover rice), stirring often and allowing rice to absorb most of broth before adding more, 15 to 20 minutes. When rice is cooked through but still al dente and sauce has thickened, stir in 1/2 cup pesto, green beans, and potato; cook just until heated through, about 1 minute.
• Remove from heat and add cheese, a good drizzle of oil, and a few spoonfuls of remaining broth. Stir vigorously to create a silky sauce. Check seasoning and stir in more pesto, if desired. Serve with a drizzle of oil, topped with more cheese and pepper.

BAKED CAULIFLOWER AND RICE RISOTTO WITH MINT PESTO

Steps:

• Make the mint pesto: Process the nuts and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Add the mint, salt, and pepper to taste and pour the oil on top. Process until well blended, adding an extra tablespoon oil if needed. Set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• For the baked cauliflower and rice risotto: Heat the olive oil in a large, ovenproof saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until tender and translucent, about 6 minutes. Do not let it brown.
• Add the Arborio rice, salt, and pepper and stir to combine, coating all the rice with the oil. Saute the rice for 3 to 4 minutes, or until some of the grains become translucent.
• Stir in the Cauliflower Rice and saute for 2 minutes.
• Pour the wine into the pan, bring to a simmer, and cook until it has been absorbed, about 3 minutes.
• Pour in 2 cups of the very hot stock or water, bring to a simmer, cover, and place the pan in the oven. Bake until most of the liquid is absorbed but the rice is still slightly undercooked, about 15 to 16 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the oven and set on the stovetop over medium heat. Add 3/4 cup of superhot stock or water and cook the rice, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes. Taste the rice for doneness. Ideally, it is a little al dente and the risotto creamy. Stir in the butter, 3/4 cup of the Parmesan, the spinach, if using, and the pesto. Adjust the consistency with additional stock, if needed; season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately with the remaining Parmesan on the side.
• Place the cauliflower in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pulse for about 30 seconds, or until you get very small pieces (resembling snow or rice).

SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND PESTO RISOTTO

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring the broth and water to a simmer. In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add the rice to the pot and stir until it begins to turn opaque, about 2 minutes.
• Add the wine and salt and cook, stirring frequently, until all the wine has been absorbed.
• Add the sun-dried tomatoes and about 1/2 cup of the simmering broth to the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the broth has been completely absorbed.
• The rice and broth should bubble gently; adjust the heat as needed. Continue cooking the rice, adding broth 1/2 cup at a time and allowing the rice to absorb the broth before adding the next 1/2 cup.
• Cook the rice in this way until tender, 25 to 30 minutes in all. The broth that hasn't been absorbed should be thickened by the starch from the rice.
• You may not need to use all of the liquid, or you may need more broth or some water. Stir in the pepper, pesto, and Parmesan. Serve the risotto with additional Parmesan.

SUN DRIED TOMATO AND PESTO RISOTTO

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring the broth and water to a simmer. In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the rice to the pot and stir until it begins to turn opaque, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and salt and cook, stirring frequently, until all the wine has been absorbed. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and about 1/2 cup of the simmering broth to the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the broth has been completely absorbed. The rice and broth should bubble gently; adjust the heat as needed. Continue cooking the rice, adding broth 1/2 cup at a time and allowing the rice to absorb the broth before adding the next 1/2 cup. Cook the rice in this way until tender, 25 to 30 minutes in all. The broth that hasn't been absorbed should be thickened by the starch from the rice. You may not need to use all of the liquid, or you may need more broth or some water. Stir in the pepper, pesto, and Parmesan. Serve the risotto with additional Parmesan

CELERY ROOT RISOTTO AND PESTO

Steps:

• Place 1 1/2 cups (packed) celery root leaves and oil in mini-processor. Blend until leaves are minced. Season pesto to taste with salt and pepper.
• Peel celery roots. Cut into 1/3-inch-thick slices. Cut slices into enough 1/3-inch cubes to measure 2 cups. Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in celery root cubes and leek. Cover; cook until celery root is tender but not brown, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Mix in rice; stir 1 minute. Add broth; increase heat and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until rice is tender and risotto is creamy, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Mix in 3/4 cup cheese. Season risotto to taste with salt and pepper.
• Divide risotto between bowls; swirl some pesto on top. Serve with remaining cheese and pesto.

RISOTTO WITH PESTO AND MASCARPONE

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a non-stick pan.
• Add the garlic and cook lightly for about a minute.
• Over a low heat, add the rice and saute for a couple of minutes, stirring to make sure the rice is coated in butter.
• Add the white wine and let it absorb.
• While the rice is absorbing the wine, heat your chicken stock (this can be done at an earlier stage and kept warm if you prefer). Add the chicken stock 1/2 a cup at a time, stirring occasionally. Each time, make sure the stock is mostly absorbed before you add more or it will be a very runny risotto! The non-stick pan is important for this stage, so the rice doesn't stick when the stock is low.
• When the stock is all absorbed, taste the risotto to make sure the rice is tender (if not, add another 1/4 cup of stock).
• Then stir in the mascarpone and pesto. Stir until completely mixed in.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

PESTO SUN-DRIED TOMATO RISOTTO

Steps:

• In a small sauce pan simmer the tomatoes in the water for 1 minute, drain them, reserving the liquid, and chop them. In a saucepan combine the reserved cooking liquid and the broth, bring the liquid to a simmer, and keep it at a bare simmer. In a large saucepan cook the garlic in the oil over moderately low heat, stirring until softened, add the rice, stirring until each grain is coated with oil and stir in the tomatoes. Add 1/2 cup of the simmering liquid and cook the mixture over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding the liquid, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and letting each portion be absorbed before adding the next, until the rice is tender but still aldente.(the rice should take about 17 minutes) Stir in the parmesan cheese and salt and peppet to taste and sprinkle the risotto with parsley.