Quick healthy tomato and basil risotto is a low cost easy to make recipe. This creamy vegetarian dish makes a perfect midweek meal for 4.
Folks, this is a delicious and simple to make creamy tasting tomato and basil risotto that takes very little effort to make!
This is my first healthy risotto recipe on Neil's Healthy Meals. I have to confess to you that I haven't made many risotto recipes in my time anyway.
So as I thought it wouldn't be appropriate posting an elaborate risotto recipe, let's start together on our risotto journey with this easy one first. Shall we?
And since I posted this first easy tomato risotto recipe I have also created a second quick risotto recipe a 30-Minute Mushroom risotto which I know you'll just love too!
I thought I'd start by creating our first risotto recipe using the perfect classic flavour combination of tomato and basil.
You know the one that everyone seems to love?
Using that classic combination helps to keep this dish as authentic and rustic as possible.
You'll think you're in a traditional Italian restaurant eating classic peasant food when you taste this!
The sweet tomato flavours absorbed by the arborio rice combined with the fragrance from the basil will have you crying "Bellissimo"!
Keep an eye on your tomato and basil risotto whilst it's cooking.
It should only take 15 - 20 minutes until the rice is just tender and the liquid absorbed. You don't want it to be all dried out and stodgy!
Is risotto healthy? Well traditional risotto recipes are usually made with butter and cheese so by leaving those out you can see how this recipe is healthier.
You'll feel full up after a bowl of this goodness and the carbs will provide you with plenty of energy.
Talking of energy....... (great link there Neil! 😉 )
This is precisely the kind of recipe I'll be eating this Saturday night to provide me with lot's of energy for the Great Scottish Run 10k on Sunday morning.
Remember previous recipes that I created for fueling up in days before the run? Like my quick healthy chicken stew and the baked turkey meatballs?
Yes, it's that time again. Every year I take part in this amazing run around Glasgow.
I love how many roads and bridges are closed and you get to run on them and see sights and views you wouldn't normally see because of the traffic usually on them.
I'm not really aiming to beat my previous best time of 46:47 in 2016. I'm just going to see what happens and enjoy myself!
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Low Calorie Cooking Oil Spray
- Red Onion
- Garlic Cloves
- Arborio Rice
- Tinned Chopped Tomatoes
- Vegetable Stock
- Low Fat Soft Cream Cheese
- Freshly Ground Salt and Black Pepper
- Fresh Basil
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
- Low Calorie Cooking Oil Spray - you could use a tablespoon of olive oil instead.
- Red Onion
- Garlic Cloves
- Arborio Rice - or an alternative risotto rice like carnaroli rice.
- Tinned Chopped Tomatoes - I use this for ease and convenience but you could use fresh tomatoes.
- Vegetable Stock - use a good quality vegetable stock / vegetable broth. If you're not bothered about this being vegetarian then you could use chicken stock / chicken broth.
- Low Fat Soft Cream Cheese
- Freshly Ground Salt and Black Pepper
- Fresh Basil - if you don't want a tomato basil risotto just leave this out for an equally delicious tomato risotto. Otherwise use lots of fresh basil to get the flavour you want!
Why You'll Love This Healthy Risotto
- This delicious risotto is made with lower calorie ingredients and no butter or cream so is a healthier risotto.
- It's a simple dish which takes only 30 minutes and can feed a family of four.
- Even though there's no butter or cream used the cream cheese still gives it an amazing creamy risotto taste.
- It'll soon become one of your favorite recipes. Perfect to make after a long day in the office!
Tips For How To Make Tomato And Basil Risotto
Detailed instructions are in the recipe card below. But here are some quick tips for how to make this tomato-basil risotto recipe:
- Keep an eye on your tomato and basil risotto whilst it's cooking. Stir from time to time. You just want the rice to be al dente.
- Cook over a medium heat.
- Make sure you use a large saucepan. That's why I recommend my casserole pot.
- Make sure you use hot stock otherwise cold stock will alter the cooking process.
- Remove saucepan from the heat before you add your cream cheese.
FAQ's
What Do You Eat With Tomato Risotto?
As this healthy tomato risotto recipe is so filling you won't need to accompany it with anything too heavy. So that's why I've only suggested a green salad as a side.
How Do You Make Risotto More Flavorful?
You can adapt the flavour by reducing the amount of stock and adding a glass of white wine. Or stir a little tomato paste in.
Can You Make Tomato And Basil Risotto Vegan?
Absolutely. Use a vegetable stock and vegan cream cheese.
Is Risotto Healthy?
Like this recipe, risotto can be healthy. Use a vegetable stock, no butter, no cream and only a low fat cream cheese.
Equipment
For This Tomato And Basil Risotto Recipe You May Need….
The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.
This means that if you click on it and then buy that product, I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).
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This is the casserole pot I use. It's made of cast iron with a smooth enamel finish to reinforce durability and resistance.
You'll see me using it in many of my recipes and recipe photographs.
Hygienic and easy to clean there is no absorption of colours and tastes. It's ovenproof and suitable for all hob types.
It also comes with a lifetime guarantee. You'll never need to buy another casserole pot after you buy this one!
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My Other Healthy Risotto Recipes You Might Also Like
- Creamy salmon risotto with peas is a delicious quick and easy to make dinner for four. Using poached salmon and frozen peas it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
- This easy 30-minute mushroom risotto recipe is a real time saver. A perfect healthy weeknight meal that’s deliciously creamy and packed full of flavour!
- Quick healthy chicken risotto recipe is a perfect easy meal made with chicken and mushrooms. It's a great way to use up any leftover chicken too!
Quick Healthy Tomato and Basil Risotto Recipe
The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.
This means that if you click on it and then buy that product I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).
If you do click through then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!
Equipment
Ingredients
- Low calorie cooking oil spray
- 1 red onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 350 g Arborio rice or similar
- 400 g can chopped tomatoes
- 600 ml hot vegetable stock
- 75 g low fat cream cheese
- Freshly ground salt and pepper.
- A handful Approx. 15g of fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Spray the bottom of a large casserole pot with the low calorie cooking oil spray about 5 times. Turn the heat on high and then when the oil starts to bubble turn the heat down and add the onion and garlic and sauté, stirring for about 4 - 5 minutes until the onion has softened.
- Add the rice, stir for a further minute then add the tomatoes and stock. Reduce the heat to low put a lid on the pot and cook for 15 - 20 minutes until the rice is just tender and the liquid absorbed.
- Remove the pan from the heat, remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese and season to taste.
- Allow to stand for about 5 minutes then stir in the torn basil leaves and serve topped with a few more torn basil leaves and a green salad on the side.
Nutrition
Nutrition Label
Nutritional information provided below is calculated using paid for online tools and the exact ingredients and quantities used above.
Rate The Recipe
If you’ve made this tomato risotto recipe, or any other recipes on Neil's Healthy Meals, then please let me know.
I’d love to hear what you think of my recipe in the comments below and please do rate my recipe 5* if you like it! 🙂
Tyler Heal
Great recipe Neil, I've been looking for some low calorie dishes as I need to lose a few pounds. This one is going on my list. Thanks bud.
Neil
Glad to be of assistance Tyler. Thanks for your comment! 🙂
David @ Spiced
I love a good risotto! They get a bad rap as they have the reputation of being hard to cook, but I disagree! Risottos just need attention, but they're not hard. And you've totally nailed it with this one! I love the flavors, and I can see how this would become a staple side dish for weeknight meals. Full of flavor and easy to make? Sign me up! And good luck in the run this weekend, Neil! I hear a cold pint helps you recover after a run like that. 🙂
Neil
Absolutely David. You just need to keep an eye on a risotto to make sure it doesn't boil away after having absorbed the liquid, or it'll boil itself dry won't it?
Thanks for the good luck wishes for the run, I'm looking forward to it. And you can bet I'll be having a cold pint after it. Or maybe two! I've been off the beer since coming back from holiday! 🙂
Ron
Neil, we love a good risotto around here. I totally agree with David, as Risotto is always viewed as difficult to make, it's not. I'm also intrigued by the inclusion of the cream cheese, I've never use it in a risotto. It makes sense though as I'm sure it gives it a great creamy taste without loading up on butter.
Neil
Thanks Ron and yes that's exactly why I use the cream cheese as it's the substitute for not making the recipe using butter. It's just what the recipe needs at the end to give it that "creamyness" I find. Cheers for reading my recipe post and for commenting too! Hope you are well! 😀
mimi rippee
I've taught young girls how to make risottos! It's definitely not challenging! Yours is wonderful. Have you ever used dried basil? I love fresh, especially sprinkled on top of a prepared dish, but for real basil flavor, I like dried basil.
Neil
It's not challenging is it Mimi? A lot of people seem to think it is though, don't they? That's why I thought I would publish a first really easy one to show people that it's not difficult.
I'm afraid I've never had great results from dried basil. Though as you are far more experienced than me in the kitchen I think I will take your advice and give it a try again soon. 😀
Shashi at SavorySpin
Bellisimo indeed! Such a wonderful combo of tomatoes and basil - the perfect fuel for a long run/workout or even for a cold night! Good luck to you on Sunday - I hope you have a ton of fun at The Great Scottish Run 10k! Good Luck my friend!
Neil
Thanks Shashi. In just under 24 hours I will be doing my 4th Great Scottish Run. So you can bet I'll be fueling up for it before hand with a good dish of this!
Jeff the Chef
I don't know that a bit of Parmesan would necessarily make this unhealthy. I love the flavors you've used. This sounds so delicious.
Neil
I think a couple of shavings of Parmesan on top of this would be delicious. Nice touch Jeff!
Ashika | Gardening Foodie
You know Neil, I have never made risotto, I have always been nervous about it, I have absolutely no idea why though. Probably watching too much Hells Kitchen, where Chef Gordan Ramsay is always shouting/ swearing at everybody for making horrid risotto? Your recipe looks so easy, so I am definitely going to give this a try. I love the tomato and basil combination, it really looks so delicious ?
Neil
Ha ha, yeah I've seen those Gordon Ramsay shouting episodes too. That would be enough to put you off making risotto for life! I was also nervous about making risotto Ashika. But since making several batches of this, I'm ready to move on and try some other risotto combinations I've got in my head.
Andy Bishop
Two things I love: tomato and basil added in risotto. Great recipe!
Neil
Thanks Andy! 🙂