A rustic white plate frames a mound of creamy risotto peppered with tender chicken and bright pops of pink rhubarb. Fresh, finely chopped herbs dot the dish, while a sprig of fresh rosemary leans artistically against the side. The finish is a sprinkling of Parmesan and a delicate nest of microgreens tucked in the center.

Rhubarb Risotto with Herbed Chicken

Name: Rhubarb Risotto with Herbed Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: rhubarb stalk, 1 finely diced; boneless chicken breasts, 2 pieces cubed; arborio rice, 1 cup; white onion, 1 small finely chopped; garlic, 2 cloves minced; chicken stock, 4 cups; parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup freshly grated; fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley, 1 tablespoon each finely chopped; dry white wine, 1/2 cup; olive oil, 2 tablespoon; butter, 1 tablespoon; salt and pepper, to taste

Category Main Course

Prep 20 minutes

Cook 35 minutes

Style Italian

Technique Sautéing

Diet Friendly Low-Carb

Daily Recipe: March 20, 2025

Embracing the essence of seasonal freshness, this inventive twist on an Italian classic fuses the bright, tart notes of rhubarb with aromatic herbs and robust staples of the Italian pantry. Savory and sweet play off each other to create a palate-pleasing sensation that satisfies both as comfort food and gourmet fare.

Ingredients (for 2)

Rhubarb stalk - 1 - finely diced
Boneless chicken breasts - 2 pieces - cubed
Arborio rice - 1 cup
White onion - 1 small - finely chopped
Garlic - 2 cloves - minced
Chicken stock - 4 cups
Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup - freshly grated
Fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley - 1 tablespoon each - finely chopped
Dry white wine - 1/2 cup
Olive oil - 2 tablespoon
Butter - 1 tablespoon
Salt and pepper - to taste

Preparation

Step 1 - 🍳🐔🌿

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts, season with salt, pepper, and half of the fresh herbs. Cook until the chicken turns golden, then set it aside.
Step 2 - 🍳🧅🌱

In the same pan, add the remaining oil and sauté the finely chopped onions until they become translucent. Then add the minced garlic and finely diced rhubarb, continuing to sauté until the rhubarb softens.
Step 3 - 🥄🍚🔄

Add the Arborio rice to the pan, stirring well to ensure every grain is coated with the onion-rhubarb mixture.
Step 4 - 🥄🍷🔄

Pour in the dry white wine, stirring continuously until the rice has fully absorbed it.
Step 5 - 🥣🍲🔄

Gradually ladle in the hot chicken stock, one cup at a time. Stir continuously, allowing the rice to absorb each addition of stock before adding the next. Continue until the rice is al dente.
Step 6 - 🐔🥘🔄

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, folding it into the risotto.
Step 7 - 🧀🌿🥘

Stir the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining herbs into the risotto. Check seasoning, adjusting if necessary, and serve hot.

Additional

For an even bolder flavor experience, consider replacing the chicken stock with a vegetable or mushroom blend. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with pan-seared Portobello mushroom pieces. Kids can help by stirring the risotto or by helping to layer the ingredients on the plate for that Instagram-worthy presentation.