Ingredients
Instructions
In a food processor, pulse together basil, pine nuts, garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt and ½ cup Parmesan. Slowly stream in ½ cup olive oil. Set aside.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add chicken and cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes and an internal temperature reaches 165°F. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Cover and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toast rice until golden brown, then slowly stir in broth, ½ cup at a time. Cook until broth is absorbed, about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons parmesan, cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes and pesto.
- Serve with fresh basil.
Homemade Risotto
This simple variation on Traditional Italian Risotto uses additional fresh flavors like homemade pesto with tender chicken and cherry tomatoes. Get comfortable in the kitchen and have fun while you cook. Start by toasting the rice slightly in a bit of oil and then add in warm broth slowly until it is absorbed and you’ve got your desired consistency! Add your ingredients of choice and voilá, an incredible meal to share or savor all to yourself.
Once you’ve mastered the classic risotto recipe, experiment with all kinds of flavors like seasonal corn on the cob in this Sweet Corn, Mascarpone and Parmesan Risotto (recipe courtesy of Lindsey - from Lindsey Eats) or using Indian and Thai flavors in this Curry Risotto with Baked Salmon.
Fresh Tasting Pesto
If you’ve never attempted your own pesto sauce at home, it is quite simple to make and offers incredible flavor if the right ingredients are chosen. When you use quality items, you get quality results.
Choose fresh green basil leaves, either from your own garden or store-bought. The peak season for fresh basil is spring and summer.
Use the right rice! RiceSelect® Arborio Rice is ideal as it contains the perfect starch to make your risotto naturally rich and creamy without needing any additional and unnecessary cream.
Freshly grate your Parmesan cheese rather than buying pre-shredded for the most flavor.
Pine nuts will offer a more traditional taste, however, walnuts will also do the trick.
Once you have your pesto ready, save it for other dishes like rice skillets, wraps or a Pesto Rice Salad like this recipe from @thebakermama. Or, create your own recipes like a pesto and Pearl Couscous salad or lemon chicken orzo dish with pesto.
