Pizza Risotto
Creamy Arborio rice simmered with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and savory pepperoni. All the irresistible flavors of your favorite pizza, transformed into a comforting, cheesy risotto. A fun and satisfying twist on a classic Italian dish.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Broth and Crispy Pepperoni
- b.Pour the chicken broth into a medium saucepan and place over low heat to keep it at a gentle simmer. This is crucial for a creamy risotto.
- c.In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- d.Add half of the pepperoni slices in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping once, until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate for garnish.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Be careful not to burn it.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Toast Rice and Deglaze
- b.Add the Arborio rice to the pot. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to toast the grains, coating them in the oil. The edges of the rice should become translucent.
- c.Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook, stirring, until the wine is completely absorbed by the rice.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Risotto
- b.Stir in the crushed tomatoes. Then, add one ladle (about 1 cup) of the warm broth to the rice.
- c.Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.
- d.Continue adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, waiting for each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. This gradual process should take about 18-20 minutes. Stirring is key to releasing the rice's starches.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Incorporate Final Flavors
- b.Once the rice is al dente (tender with a slight bite in the center) and the risotto has a creamy consistency, stir in the remaining uncooked pepperoni slices, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes with the last ladle of broth.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish with 'Mantecatura'
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. This step, called 'mantecatura', is what makes risotto incredibly creamy.
- c.Add the cold butter cubes, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella. Stir vigorously until the butter and cheeses are completely melted and incorporated.
- d.Taste the risotto and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Remember that the broth, cheese, and pepperoni are already salty.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Ladle the hot risotto into warmed bowls.
- c.Garnish with the crispy pepperoni you set aside earlier and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy right away for the best texture.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use warm broth. Adding cold liquid will shock the rice and hinder the cooking process, resulting in a less creamy texture.
- 2Stirring is key! Constant, gentle stirring helps release the starches from the rice, creating that signature creamy texture without any heavy cream.
- 3Don't overcook the rice. It should be 'al dente' – tender with a slight firm bite in the center.
- 4For the best melt, use low-moisture mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella contains too much water and can make the risotto soupy.
- 5Taste and season at the very end. The broth, cheese, and pepperoni are all salty, so you may need less salt than you think.
- 6Serve immediately. Risotto is best enjoyed fresh, as it thickens and loses its creamy texture upon cooling.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the pepperoni and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives for a 'veggie supreme' version.
SpicierSpicier
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or more. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage instead of pepperoni.
Meat Lover'sMeat Lover's
In addition to pepperoni, add cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or small pieces of cooked bacon when you add the final flavors.
Different CheesesDifferent Cheeses
Swap the mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile. A dollop of ricotta on top when serving adds extra creaminess.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Boosting
The Arborio rice provides complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy, making this a hearty and satisfying meal.
Rich in Lycopene
The crushed tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Source of Calcium
With both Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, this dish provides a good amount of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Pizza Risotto contains approximately 770-800 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the pepperoni and cheese.