Trader Joe's Lemon Basil Risotto

Name: Trader Joe's Lemon Basil Risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups Arborio rice; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup white wine; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I love whipping up Trader Joe's Lemon Basil Risotto when I'm craving something comforting yet sophisticated. The combination of creamy Arborio rice with bright lemon and fragrant basil brings a delightful freshness that is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it's an easy dish to prepare that never fails to impress guests. I always serve it with some grilled chicken or vegetables for a complete meal and enjoy the fantastic flavors that come together in just 30 minutes.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-04T15:49:27.878Z

When I first discovered Trader Joe's Lemon Basil Risotto, I was immediately enchanted by its vibrant flavors. It was a dish that felt both indulgent and light, perfect for a dinner party or a quiet evening at home. The trick is to stir the risotto continuously as it cooks; this releases the starch from the rice and creates that signature creamy texture.

One time, I experimented by adding a touch of white wine to enhance the flavors further, which gave it an extra depth that was simply delectable. Pairing it with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan just before serving brings everything together beautifully, making it an irresistible dish that I keep coming back to.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Bright, zesty lemon flavor combined with fragrant basil
Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
Great as a side dish or a main meal, versatile for any occasion

      

Perfecting Your Risotto Technique

Risotto requires patience and attention, but mastering the technique rewards you with a dish that’s creamy and rich. Always keep your vegetable broth warm; this helps the rice absorb the liquid better and maintain a steady cooking temperature. Stirring continuously while adding the broth promotes the release of starch from the Arborio rice, creating that signature creamy consistency. When done right, each grain of rice should be al dente, tender yet slightly firm to the bite.

If you're new to making risotto, be prepared to invest about 18-20 minutes in the cooking process. Use a wide, shallow skillet; this allows for maximum surface area, aiding in an even cook. Ideal risotto should glisten and be slightly loose—don’t be alarmed if it looks a bit soupy at first! This texture will change as you incorporate the last bits of broth, ensuring a luxurious mouthfeel.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a specific role. The Arborio rice is essential as its high starch content is what creates that characteristic creaminess. For the best flavor, I recommend using a dry white wine; it enhances the overall taste and balances the richness of the Parmesan. If you're avoiding alcohol, you can substitute the wine with additional broth or a splash of white wine vinegar mixed with water.

Fresh basil brings an aromatic quality that brightens up the entire dish, complementing the lemon beautifully. However, if fresh basil is unavailable, you can use dried basil, but reduce the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Adding the lemon zest and juice at the end preserves the fresh, vibrant flavors, making it essential to follow this step for the best result.

Ingredients

Gather these delicious ingredients for a flavorful risotto.

Main Ingredients

2 cups Arborio rice
6 cups vegetable broth
1 cup white wine
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

These ingredients combine to create a wonderful dish full of flavor and texture.

Instructions

Steps

Follow these steps to create your delightful Lemon Basil Risotto.

Prepare the Broth

In a saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over low heat until warm. Keep it on the stove during the cooking process.

Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.

Add Arborio Rice

Stir in the Arborio rice, allowing it to toast for about 1-2 minutes until slightly translucent.

Incorporate Wine

Pour in the white wine and stir continuously until it’s mostly absorbed by the rice.

Cook the Risotto

Begin adding the warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. Continue until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.

Finish with Lemon and Basil

Remove the risotto from heat. Stir in the lemon zest, juice, chopped basil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Serve warm, garnished with extra basil or Parmesan if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Lemon Basil Risotto!

Pro Tips

For a creamier texture, you can stir in a little more cheese at the end or a dollop of butter. Always use warm broth to keep the cooking process smooth.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Risotto tends to thicken as it cools, so when reheating, add a splash of warm broth or water to regain the creamy consistency. I find that using a non-stick skillet on low heat works best, as it allows for even warming without the risk of sticking or scorching the rice.

Risotto can also be frozen, but keep in mind that the texture will change slightly after thawing. To freeze, spread out the risotto on a baking sheet to cool quickly, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as described above for best results.

Serving Suggestions

Trader Joe's Lemon Basil Risotto pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables, creating a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. You can also serve it as a base for shrimp or scallops—just sauté them separately and serve on top for a restaurant-quality presentation.

For a stylish garnish, consider drizzling a bit of high-quality olive oil or adding a sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving. This enhances the dish’s visual appeal and adds additional layers of flavor. A simple side salad could round out the meal nicely, adding freshness without overshadowing the risotto's subtle flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this risotto vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute the Parmesan with a vegan alternative and use vegetable or mushroom broth.

→ What can I serve with this risotto?

Grilled chicken, vegetables, or a fresh salad pair wonderfully with Lemon Basil Risotto.

→ Can I store leftovers?

Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ How can I reheat the risotto?

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the creamy texture.