Creamy basil pesto risotto plated with roasted cherry tomatoes, micro basil, and a drizzle of basil oil on a matte black ceramic plate.

Indulge in the luxury of Basil Pesto Risotto with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, a dish that brings together creamy, herbaceous risotto, blistered cherry tomatoes, and delicate garnishes for a refined presentation. The silky Arborio rice absorbs the vibrant basil pesto, creating a rich, deep green base, beautifully contrasted by caramelized, oven-roasted cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness. Carefully plated with micro basil, a drizzle of basil oil, and a hint of Parmigiano-Reggiano, this dish exemplifies fine dining elegance with rustic Italian flavors.

Let’s walk through the ingredients and plating techniques to create this exquisite dish.


Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these high-quality ingredients to prepare a luxurious basil pesto risotto.

For the Basil Pesto Risotto:

  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock, warmed
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 shallot, finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup fresh basil pesto
  • ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Roasted Cherry Tomatoes:

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp balsamic glaze (optional, for extra depth)

For the Garnishes & Plating:

  • Micro basil leaves
  • Basil oil drizzle (blend basil with olive oil for a vibrant green finish)
  • Thin shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • Edible flowers (optional, for color contrast)

Step 1: Prepare the Basil Pesto Risotto

A creamy, well-emulsified risotto is the foundation of this dish.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Arborio rice, stock, white wine, olive oil, butter, shallots, garlic, basil pesto, Parmesan, salt, and pepper

Method:

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic, stirring until soft and translucent.
  2. Toast the Rice: Stir in the Arborio rice, letting it toast lightly for 1-2 minutes until it turns slightly opaque.
  3. Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the white wine, stirring continuously until it evaporates.
  4. Slowly Add Stock: Ladle in warm stock, one scoop at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed before adding more. Continue for 15-18 minutes until the rice is al dente and creamy.
  5. Incorporate Pesto & Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil pesto and grated Parmesan, allowing the flavors to meld into a smooth, velvety consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed.

💡 Pro Tip: Stirring constantly releases the rice’s starch, creating a naturally creamy texture without the need for heavy cream.


Step 2: Roast the Cherry Tomatoes

These sweet, caramelized cherry tomatoes provide a bright contrast to the rich risotto.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Cherry tomatoes, olive oil, salt, black pepper, balsamic glaze

Method:

  1. Preheat Oven to 400°F (200°C): Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Season the Tomatoes: Toss halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper.
  3. Roast Until Blistered: Bake for 15-20 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
  4. Finish with Balsamic Glaze: If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra depth.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep some tomatoes on the vine for a more natural, rustic plating aesthetic.


Step 3: Plate with Fine Dining Elegance

Plating is key to transforming this dish into a Michelin-worthy experience.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Micro basil, basil oil drizzle, Parmigiano-Reggiano shavings, edible flowers

Method:

  1. Spoon the Risotto Elegantly: Using a ladle, place the risotto in the center of a matte black plate, ensuring a rounded, refined shape.
  2. Arrange the Roasted Tomatoes: Place 3-5 tomatoes carefully on top, some resting on the risotto and others beside it.
  3. Drizzle with Basil Oil: Using a small squeeze bottle or spoon, create a thin, delicate drizzle of basil oil for an elegant finish.
  4. Add Micro Basil & Parmesan Shavings: Scatter small basil leaves and thin Parmesan shavings for color and texture contrast.
  5. Optional Garnish: If using edible flowers, place one or two small petals for an extra touch of refinement.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep the plating minimal and precise, ensuring each component is visible and balanced.


Why You’ll Love This Dish

✨ Velvety & Herbaceous – The rich basil pesto and creamy risotto create an unforgettable combination.

✨ Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The sweet roasted cherry tomatoes contrast beautifully with the umami depth of Parmesan.

✨ A Stunning Fine Dining Presentation – Vibrant colors, delicate basil oil drizzle, and elegant garnishes make this dish restaurant-worthy.


Pairing Suggestions

Enhance the flavors of Basil Pesto Risotto with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with these perfect pairings:

🍷 White Wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the herbaceous pesto and creamy risotto.

🥂 Prosecco or Sparkling Wine – The bright acidity and bubbles provide a perfect contrast to the richness of the dish.

🥗 Light Salad Pairing – A baby arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and pine nuts adds freshness and crunch.


Share Your Creation

We’d love to see your beautifully plated Basil Pesto Risotto with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes! Share your gourmet plating on Pinterest, Instagram, or social media using #BeyondEveryBite, and you could be featured in our next article.


Final Thoughts

Basil Pesto Risotto with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes is the ultimate fusion of fine dining aesthetics and classic Italian flavors. Whether serving as a luxurious appetizer or an elegant main course, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its vibrant colors, creamy texture, and artistic plating.

✨ Plate with precision, savor the artistry, and enjoy a fine dining experience at home.

Bon appétit! 🍽️🔥