Creamy Chicken Risotto with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Crafting a sumptuous chicken risotto with vibrant spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Creamy arborio rice becomes the perfect canvas for this elegant dish.

Each spoonful promises a delightful journey through rich, comforting textures.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle among emerald spinach leaves, while sun-dried tomatoes add unexpected bursts of intense flavor.

Mediterranean ingredients mingle harmoniously, transforming simple components into an extraordinary meal.

Seasonal produce and careful technique make this risotto a standout recipe you’ll want to master.

Dive into this culinary adventure and impress everyone at your table.

What Pairs Well With Chicken Spinach Risotto

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy risotto's richness, providing a refreshing contrast with its bright, zesty notes.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the risotto's creamy texture and add a tangy, peppery element to the meal.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside herb-roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to enhance the dish's Mediterranean-inspired flavors and add nutritional variety.
• Add Crusty Garlic Bread: Include a slice of warm, crusty Italian bread rubbed with garlic to soak up the risotto's delicious sauce and provide a satisfying crunch.

Storing Chicken Risotto With Spinach and Tomatoes

Store leftover risotto in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining food safety.

Transfer risotto to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.

Place risotto in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Warm risotto in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add splash of broth or water, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and restore creamy texture.

FAQs

• What is Arborio rice and why is it used in risotto?

Arborio rice is a short-grain Italian rice with high starch content that creates a creamy texture when cooked slowly, making it perfect for traditional risotto dishes.

• Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

Regular long-grain rice won’t work because it lacks the starch needed for the creamy consistency. Stick to Arborio or other short-grain risotto rice for best results.

• How do I know when the risotto is properly cooked?

The rice should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente), and the overall texture should be creamy and slightly loose, not dry or sticky.

• Is constant stirring really necessary when making risotto?

Yes, stirring helps release the rice’s starches and prevents sticking, which creates the signature creamy texture of a perfect risotto.

Why Chicken Risotto With Spinach Is a Must-Try

• Craft Culinary Confidence: Master a restaurant-quality dish at home with simple steps that transform basic ingredients into a gourmet experience.
• Boost Nutrition Naturally: Packed with protein-rich chicken, nutrient-dense spinach, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, this risotto delivers a balanced meal in one skillet.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a sophisticated dinner in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a delicious and satisfying meal without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra herbs or different cheeses to make this recipe uniquely yours, catering to individual tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Chicken Risotto With Spinach and Tomatoes

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substantial texture and flavor to the risotto.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a rich, salty taste and creamy consistency to the dish.

• Arborio Rice: Classic Italian short-grain rice that creates the signature creamy and smooth risotto texture.

• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutritional value and vibrant color.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, sweet-tangy ingredient that brings depth to the risotto.

• Olive Oil, Chicken Broth: Essential for cooking the rice and developing rich flavors.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Make Chicken Risotto With Spinach and Tomatoes

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.

Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through, with no pink remaining in the center.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Add Arborio rice to the pan with the chicken.

Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to become slightly translucent and coat evenly with the oil and chicken drippings.

Step 3: Create Liquid Magic

Prepare to transform your risotto with liquid magic.

Pour in chicken broth gradually, about half a cup at a time. Stir constantly and allow each addition to be completely absorbed before adding more.

This process helps release the rice’s natural starches, creating that signature creamy texture.

Step 4: Add Vibrant Greens and Tangy Tomatoes

• Fresh spinach leaves
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Stir these ingredients into the risotto, letting the spinach wilt and the tomatoes distribute their rich, tangy flavor throughout the dish.

Step 5: Finish with Cheesy Goodness

Incorporate Parmesan cheese into the risotto, stirring until it melts completely. Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Transfer the risotto to warm plates. The dish is best enjoyed immediately, showcasing its creamy texture and complex flavors.

Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Helpful Tips for Chicken Risotto With Spinach

• Continuously stir the Arborio rice to avoid clumping and ensure even cooking with a creamy texture.
• Use homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth for richer, more developed flavor in the risotto.
• Add broth gradually and allow each portion to absorb completely before adding more, creating perfect risotto consistency.
• Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences while maintaining the dish's delicious profile.
• Use fresh spinach leaves and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes to elevate the overall taste and nutritional value of the risotto.

Creative Versions of Chicken Risotto With Spinach

• Seafood Medley Risotto: Replace chicken with a mix of shrimp, scallops, and calamari for an oceanic flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Vegetarian Risotto: Swap chicken with roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a plant-based version.
• Mushroom Wild Rice Risotto: Use a combination of wild mushrooms like porcini, shiitake, and cremini instead of chicken for an earthy, rich taste.
• Truffle and Asparagus Risotto: Add sliced asparagus and drizzle truffle oil for a luxurious and elegant upgrade to the original recipe.

Delicious Chicken Risotto With Spinach And Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken risotto with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes whisks diners straight to Italian comfort cuisine. Silky arborio rice, tender chicken, and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend into a luxurious one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken pieces in hot olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes, then remove from pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, toast Arborio rice for 2-3 minutes, ensuring each grain is lightly coated with residual oil and chicken drippings.
3. Pour warm chicken broth incrementally, stirring continuously and allowing each addition to be fully absorbed before introducing the next portion, which helps release the rice’s natural starches.
4. Continue adding broth and stirring for 18-22 minutes, maintaining a gentle simmer until rice reaches a creamy, al dente consistency with slight resistance when bitten.
5. Fold in fresh spinach leaves and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until spinach wilts and tomatoes are heated through, approximately 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and evenly distributed throughout the risotto.
7. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to taste.
8. Let risotto rest for 2-3 minutes to achieve optimal creaminess before serving hot in warmed dishes.

Notes

• Choose high-quality Arborio rice for the creamiest, most authentic risotto texture that melts in your mouth.
• Toast the rice in oil before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and help it absorb broth more effectively.
• Keep broth warm in a separate pot to maintain consistent temperature and prevent rice from cooling down during cooking.
• For a lighter version, swap chicken for grilled shrimp or use vegetable broth to create a vegetarian-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 455 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg