Parmesan Pesto Risotto with Cherry Tomatoes (2024)

Side Dishes

By SarahOn March 28, 2016&nbsp|&nbspUpdated: May 23, 2022

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Extra-creamy and extra-flavorful classic risotto packed with lots of pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes!

How you’re currently wishing your Monday was going down. —>

You’re wishing it was looking as obnoxiouslygreen as mine is. Don’t deny it.

So guys. Do you by any chance remember my ginormous obsession with risotto back in this post?I more or less embarrassed myself by chattering for like 10 hours about how much I loved risotto and all the reasons why. I won’t do that to you today. Or will I…Seriously, we’re bringing ALL that good stuff back today. Only we’re also inviting pesto to join the party and stay awhile.

Yep, I went ahead and made the whole pan green. Again. What won’t I green-ify these days?

Superquickie sidenote: I got back from my trip to Topeka late last night and as of this Monday morning it is officially back to the exhausting realms of reality for this girl.

And I’m kinda worried for my coffee supply to be honest…

So I’m fighting those post-spring break blues with cozy risotto and plenty ‘o green and no one shall tell me otherwise.

Guys, tell me you aren’t obsessed with the contents of this entire beyoo-tiful pan. The flavor-PACKED pesto. The soft, sweet cherry tomatoes. ALL that Parmesan perfec-tion. Ooh-boy…

Man, oh man, guys we sure know how to do Monday up right.

If you aren’t properly obsessed yet…here’s the pan. Go to town.

Your face. This risotto. 25 minutes. Aaaand GO!

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Parmesan Pesto Risotto with Cherry Tomatoes

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Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small shallot, minced
1-1/2 cups arborio rice
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth, warmed
1/2 cup basil pesto
1-1/2 cups fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat oil and add shallot. Saute until just tender. Add rice to skillet and stir 1-2 minutes until rice is lightly toasted. Add garlic and saute 1 additional minute until fragrant.
Reduce heat to medium-low and begin adding warm chicken broth to rice, a little bit at a time, waiting until liquid is evaporated before adding more broth.
Continue adding broth in small amounts 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and creamy. Stir in pesto, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Season risotto with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve risotto immediately while warm and enjoy!

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below. Feel free to share a picture on Instagram and tag @wholeandheavenlyoven or hashtag it #wholeandheavenlyoven

Need more excuses to love on pesto? Try these!

Creamy Basil Pesto Chicken Tetrazzini

Garden Veggie Pesto Scrambled Eggs

Reader Interactions

Comments

Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
March 28, 2016 at 6:14 am
I really wish I had this for lunch today! Pesto and risotto are two of my favorites, so I can only imagine how delicious this must taste! And I love the pretty green color, too! Such a perfect dish, Sarah!
Reply
- Sarah says
  March 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm
  Thanks Gayle! Green risotto is just always winning, right??
  Reply
Medha says
March 28, 2016 at 8:33 am
This looks fabulous! Pesto and risotto are two of my favorite things- and anything green is a must for spring! Pinning 🙂
Reply
- Sarah says
  See Also
  Mediterranean Parsley Salad – Tabbouleh or Tabouli
  March 30, 2016 at 3:43 pm
  Thanks for pinning, Medha! You need to try this risotto…asap!!
  Reply
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Allergy Friendly Eats says
March 28, 2016 at 8:52 am
Risotto is one of my favorite meals…this green version looks so fresh for spring!
Reply
- Sarah says
  March 30, 2016 at 3:45 pm
  Thanks so much Kelly!
  Reply
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
March 28, 2016 at 10:05 am
I totally feel your obsession with risotto — it is THE. BEST. I love all of these things! Definitely need to try this one!
Reply
- Sarah says
  March 30, 2016 at 3:45 pm
  Heck yes, it is the best!! 🙂
  Reply
Manali @ CookWithManali says
March 28, 2016 at 4:42 pm
pesto makes everything better! this looks like total comfort food, love it Sarah! 🙂
Reply
- Sarah says
  March 30, 2016 at 3:46 pm
  TRUTH. 😉 Thanks Manali!
  Reply
Annie says
March 28, 2016 at 6:11 pm
Simply amazing!! I am so obsessed with risotto right now!
Reply
- Sarah says
  March 30, 2016 at 3:46 pm
  You and me both, girl!!
  Reply
Rachel @ Bakerita says
March 30, 2016 at 9:35 am
I was SO obsessed with your last risotto…and I’m maybe even more obsessed with pesto! I think I may have stirred pesto into your last recipe as my only addition…haha. Which means…I NEED to try this one. Like, yesterday. It looks swoon-worthy, and is definitely going on this weeks dinner list.
Reply
- Sarah says
  March 30, 2016 at 3:54 pm
  Eek!! Girl, you are going to go NUTS for this risotto if you have a thing for pesto! Can’t wait to hear how you like it! xoxo
  Reply
CAROLINA says
August 3, 2016 at 9:42 am
HI, THIS LOOKS AMAZING AND I´M PLANNING MAKING IT, BUT THE RECEPI SAYS IT SERVES 25??? THAT’S A TYPO RIGHT?
Reply
Sarah Wills says
May 13, 2021 at 6:22 am
Approximately how many cups does this make?
Reply
- Sarah says
  May 13, 2021 at 6:34 pm
  It will make around 4-5 cups risotto!
  Reply

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