Best 8 Risotto With Asparagus And Pesto Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our delectable Risotto with Asparagus and Pesto recipe, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This classic Italian dish features creamy Arborio rice cooked to perfection, tender asparagus spears, and a vibrant pesto sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, and olive oil. The result is a symphony of flavors and colors that will tantalize your taste buds. Our recipe provides step-by-step instructions to guide you through the cooking process, ensuring a perfectly cooked risotto every time. We also offer variations of this classic recipe to suit your preferences, including a vegetarian option and a version with roasted tomatoes. Additionally, we have included a recipe for a refreshing Arugula and Fennel Salad, the perfect accompaniment to balance the richness of the risotto. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your cooking utensils, and embark on a culinary adventure with our Risotto with Asparagus and Pesto recipe.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS



Risotto with Asparagus image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 bunches thick asparagus (about 2 pounds)
1 sprig fresh thyme or lemon thyme
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large shallot, diced
2 cups arborio rice
Kosher salt
1/3 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
Freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 head Bibb lettuce, cut into strips
8 ounces robiola or taleggio cheese, thinly sliced
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Steps:

  • Peel the bottom third of the asparagus stalks with a vegetable peeler. Snap each stalk where it breaks naturally; reserve 4 of the peeled bottoms for crostini (below). Thinly slice 6 asparagus bottoms and place the rest of the bottoms in a saucepan with 8 cups water and the thyme to make asparagus broth; bring to a simmer.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring, until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until glossy, about 1 minute. Add 1 1/4 teaspoons salt. Pour in the wine and stir until absorbed. Stir in 1/2 cup of the asparagus broth until absorbed (use a ladle to add the broth, keeping the solids in the pan). Continue to add broth in 1/2-cup increments, stirring constantly and allowing the liquid to be absorbed before adding more, about 10 minutes. (You should have about half the broth left.) Stir in the sliced asparagus bottoms and the lemon zest. Add the remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, until the rice is just tender, 5 to 8 more minutes.
  • Meanwhile, place the asparagus tips in a large skillet, cover with water and season with salt and pepper. Simmer over medium-high heat until just tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, the parmesan and lemon juice to the risotto. Stir in the lettuce, remove from the heat and season with salt. Divide among bowls, top with the robiola and season with pepper. Drizzle the asparagus tips with olive oil and spoon over the risotto.

RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS



Risotto With Asparagus image

Provided by Moira Hodgson

Categories     dinner, side dish

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound fresh asparagus
2 shallots, minced
1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups raw Italian arborio rice
1 to 1 1/2 quarts hot chicken stock
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped chives

Steps:

  • Trim the asparagus and steam until al dente. Cool and cut into three-quarter-inch pieces.
  • In a large heavy skillet or casserole, saute the shallots with the peppers in butter and oil until the shallots are translucent. Add the rice and cook, stirring, so that it is thoroughly coated. Add the asparagus, saute for a minute. Add a cupful of hot stock and cook, stirring continually, until the rice has absorbed the liquid.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste and half a cup of broth. Continue stirring so that the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pan, and add more broth, half a cup at a time, until the rice is cooked. It is done when it is al dente.
  • Stir in the cheese, correct seasoning, sprinkle with chives and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 439, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 68 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 14 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 926 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams

PESTO RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS



Pesto Risotto With Asparagus image

Make and share this Pesto Risotto With Asparagus recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Lori Mama

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

6 cups chicken stock
2 leeks, washed, sliced thinly and washed
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup arborio rice
1/2 cup white wine
1 cup asparagus, cut into small pieces, about 10 spears, cooked crisp tender
1 slice ham, about 1/2-inch thick and diced
3/4 cup pesto sauce
1 cup packed parsley
2 green onions, coarsely copped
8 small fresh mozzarella balls, cut into smaller pieces or
1 cup bite-size fresh mozzarella cheese balls
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
salt

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 482.3, Fat 14.3, SaturatedFat 7.1, Cholesterol 37.1, Sodium 783.4, Carbohydrate 63.2, Fiber 3.8, Sugar 8.7, Protein 19.5

SPRING RISOTTO



Spring Risotto image

With asparagus, peas, and fiddlehead ferns, plus pesto mixed in at the last minute, this whole dish becomes perfumed with basil and a vernal green.

Provided by Elisabeth Prueitt

Categories     Spring     Rice     Risotto     Asparagus     Pea     Sugar Snap Pea     Parmesan     White Wine     Stock     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Dinner

Yield 4-6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch/5cm lengths
8 oz/230g English peas, shelled
8 oz/230g sugar snap peas, stems and strings removed
6 oz/170g fiddlehead ferns (optional)
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 yellow onion, minced
2 cups/400g arborio or carnaroli rice
1 cup/240ml dry white wine
1 cup/240ml plus 1 qt/960ml chicken stock (homemade or store-bought), hot
2 tsp sea salt, plus more
Ground black pepper
1/2 cup/50g grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup/85g store-bought basil pesto

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Prepare a bowl of ice water. Add the asparagus to the pot and blanch, just until bright green, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to the ice water to stop the cooking, about 30 seconds. Transfer the asparagus to a colander to drain. Repeat with the English peas, sugar snap peas, and fiddleheads.
  • Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté just until translucent, about 30 seconds. Add the rice and stir until opaque, about 1 minute.
  • Stir the wine into the rice, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring periodically, until the rice absorbs the wine, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup/240ml stock and 2 teaspoons salt, return to a simmer, and let cook until the liquid has been absorbed. Spread the rice mixture on a baking sheet and set aside until you are ready to finish the dish, or skip this step and keep cooking, continuing with adding the hot stock.
  • About 15 minutes before you're ready to serve, return the rice mixture to the sauté pan and cook over medium heat. Stir 1 cup/240ml of the hot stock into the rice mixture and cook until the moisture has been nearly absorbed. Season with salt and pepper. Repeat for the remaining 3 cups/720ml of stock, adding 1 cup/240ml at a time. When you still see liquid pooling here and there in the pan, remove from the heat and stir in the blanched vegetables and the Parmesan. Quickly stir in the pesto and serve.
  • Store risotto, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Do Ahead
  • To prepare the risotto ahead of time, cook the vegetables and the rice up until you add the wine and 1 cup/240ml of stock. Once the rice has absorbed the liquid, spread the rice and onion mixture on a baking sheet to hold until you're ready to finish cooking. Just before dinner, return the rice to the pot and resume cooking until done.

ASPARAGUS RISOTTO



Asparagus Risotto image

An easy Asparagus Risotto recipe

Categories     Rice     Vegetable     Side     Asparagus     Spring     Bon Appétit     Sugar Conscious     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound asparagus, trimmed, cut into 2-inch lengths
5 cups canned low-salt chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 cups arborio rice or medium-grain white rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces)

Steps:

  • Blanch asparagus pieces in large pot of boiling, salted water 2 minutes. Drain. Rinse asparagus under cold water. Drain asparagus well.
  • Bring chicken broth to simmer in small saucepan. Reduce heat to low and keep broth hot. Heat olive oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add rice and stir 3 minutes. Add dry white wine and cook until liquid evaporates. Continue cooking until rice is tender but still slightly firm in center and mixture is creamy, adding chicken broth 1 cup at a time and stirring almost constantly, about 20 minutes. Add blanched asparagus pieces and stir until heated through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 6 tablespoons butter and stir until incorporated. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Season risotto to taste with salt and pepper.

BEST EVER ASPARAGUS & PEA RISOTTO



Best ever asparagus & pea risotto image

Enjoy this stunning risotto. It requires a little more effort but you're repaid with vibrant spring veg in every forkful

Provided by Tom Kerridge

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 bunch of asparagus (about 250g)
300g fresh peas, podded and pods reserved, or use 100g frozen peas
30g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, finely grated, plus the rind, if available
1 litre vegetable stock (or chicken stock if not vegetarian)
2 tbsp olive oil, plus a drizzle
1 onion, finely chopped
200g risotto rice
100ml white wine or vermouth
30g cold butter, cut into cubes
squeeze of lemon juice
handful of pea shoots (optional)

Steps:

  • Snap the woody ends off the asparagus stalks and roughly bash with the blade of a knife. Tip the ends into a saucepan along with the reserved pea pods, if using, and parmesan rind, if you have it. Pour over 700ml of the stock, set the pan over a low heat and bring to a simmer. Meanwhile, cut the tips off the asparagus, set aside, and slice the stalks into rounds.
  • Bring the rest of the stock to the boil in a small saucepan, tip in the asparagus tips and cook for 1 min. Scoop out into a bowl using a slotted spoon and set aside. Tip the rest of the asparagus and the peas into the pan and simmer for 3-4 mins until just tender. Tip half the cooked veg and the stock from the pan into a blender and blitz until frothy and green. Return to the pan with the whole vegetables and set aside.
  • Heat most of the oil in a large, shallow saucepan over a low heat and cook the onions for 8-10 mins until soft but not translucent. Stir in the rice to coat in the onions and oil, turn the heat up slightly and cook for 3 mins. Pour over the wine or vermouth, then stir and simmer until the liquid has evaporated.
  • Add a ladleful of stock from the large pan, avoiding the pea pods and asparagus ends, stirring vigorously and only adding more when the first ladle has been absorbed by the rice. Keep adding stock in this way until it is absorbed, the pan is dry and the rice is al dente (about 15 mins), then add the green stock, along with the veg, and cook for 3-4 mins more until the rice is just tender and you can see the bottom of the pan when you draw a spoon through it.
  • Remove from the heat and leave to stand for a minute, then beat in the butter, most of the cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice and some seasoning. Stir until the cheese has melted and the risotto is thick. Serve in warmed bowls topped with the asparagus tips, pea shoots (if using), the rest of the cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 842 calories, Fat 31 grams fat, SaturatedFat 13 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 97 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 12 grams sugar, Fiber 10 grams fiber, Protein 31 grams protein, Sodium 3.4 milligram of sodium

ASPARAGUS AND PARSLEY PESTO RISOTTO BAKE



Asparagus and Parsley Pesto Risotto Bake image

From April 2007 Everyday with Rachael Ray--looks delightful. I love asparagus so this caught my eye.

Provided by Mommy Diva

Categories     Rice

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 large shallots or 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 cups arborio rice
salt and pepper
32 ounces vegetable broth or 32 ounces chicken broth
1 cup flat leaf parsley, loosely packed
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for serving)
1/4 cup pine nuts or 1/4 cup walnuts
1 lemon, zest of, grated
1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces (thin preferred)

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! ;).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 678.1, Fat 27.3, SaturatedFat 6.8, Cholesterol 22, Sodium 408.8, Carbohydrate 88.2, Fiber 5.9, Sugar 2.1, Protein 20.7

LEMON ASPARAGUS RISOTTO



Lemon Asparagus Risotto image

Lower in fat than most risotto recipes but no one will know! I like to serve this as a main dish under some steamed halibut or other white fish.

Provided by stefychefy

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Rice     Risotto Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

20 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup arborio rice
½ cup dry white wine
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon lemon zest

Steps:

  • Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add asparagus, cover, and steam until tender, about 5 minutes. Cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces; set aside.
  • Heat chicken broth in a saucepan over medium heat; keep at a simmer while preparing risotto.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion and celery until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in garlic and arborio rice; cook and stir until rice is lightly toasted, about 5 more minutes.
  • Pour white wine into rice mixture, stirring constantly, until liquid is evaporated, about 5 minutes. Stir chicken broth into rice, one ladleful at a time, allowing liquid to absorb completely before adding more while stirring constantly, about 20 minutes. Add asparagus and stir.
  • Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and lemon zest. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 356.9 calories, Carbohydrate 53.4 g, Cholesterol 7.6 mg, Fat 8.7 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 11.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 355.2 mg, Sugar 3.7 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the risotto will be. Look for fresh, flavorful asparagus, a creamy, flavorful cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano, and a good-quality pesto.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the risotto, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the rice from cooking evenly.
  • Stir constantly: Stirring the risotto constantly is essential to prevent it from sticking to the pan and to help it cook evenly.
  • Add the liquid gradually: Add the liquid to the risotto gradually, allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more.
  • Cook until creamy: Cook the risotto until it is creamy and tender, but still has a slight bite to it.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs: Garnish the risotto with fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, or chives, before serving.

Conclusion:

This risotto with asparagus and pesto is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. The creamy risotto, tender asparagus, and flavorful pesto come together to create a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

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