This light and fresh-tasting easy marinara risotto is a simplified take on the traditional version, made with only a few simple ingredients; leftover rice, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese and spices.
This recipe has quickly become a family favourite-the kids love it because of the combination of fresh flavours, and I love it because it literally takes minutes to prepare. With this marinara risotto, you get the flavour and texture of traditional risotto without the lengthy cooking process or long list of ingredients.
My Sundays are dedicated to weekly meal preps, which mainly consist of healthy grains such as rice or quinoa. The beauty of preparing large batches of grains means a pre-prepared blank canvas that lends well to a variety of condiments, and ultimately an array of delicious meals throughout the week.
With just a few fresh, simple ingredients (most of which you probably already have on hand in your fridge or pantry) and some leftover rice, you can prepare a quick and easy risotto that the family will love.
Simply toss pre-cooked rice with tangy marinara sauce, salty Parmesan cheese, a spoonful of good quality extra virgin olive oil, and garnish with some earthy oregano.
Although there are many delicious varieties of marinara sauce on the market, I prefer making my own, using only a few quality ingredients.
If making your own marinara sauce, simply add a dollop of extra virgin olive oil to good quality tomato puree, and season with sea salt and black pepper. Add your favourite spices, such as garlic salt and oregano, to suit your own taste preference.
If you try this recipe (and love it!) be sure to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram with #bitesforfoodies so I can see your creation!
I still haven’t got the time to make this. I wonder if I can follow the recipe using a different kind of ingredient instead wine…. quinoa?
Do you mean, ‘instead of rice?’ Yes, quinoa would definitely work! You could also try farro, barley, or any other grain.
This looks delicious!! I am a past lover and trying something new is always something I enjoy. I may need to add this to my menu very very soon!
This looks super tasty. I’ve never tried to make a risotto before, but this is tasty.
Omg, this recipe looks delicious and easy to make. I would love to try this at home. I bet my family would surely love this recipe
Oh my, that looks so delicious! I like trying out new recipes and I love that this one looks so simple.
This really does look easy. I have never made Risotto. I am sure my family would enjoy this recipe. Going to add it to our meal plan.
Traditional risotto is a litter bit more complex to make but this version is a no-brainer!
I’m another person that has never attempted to make risotto at home. I might give this a shot. I love rice and would love to find a recipe that my son enjoys as well.
This is the perfect variation to start with…it’s fool-proof!
Can you believe I have never made risotto before? This recipe looks really simple. Perfect for trying it for the first time.
I’m often intimidated by the thought of cooking risotto since it looks so difficult! But after reading this I might just give it a try. Thanks for sharing <3
Sounds like a great comfort food. It might actually get my kids to eat rice! For some reason, they really prefer pasta. A familiar flavor like this might just work.
My son went through a phase when he couldn’t stand rice (my daughter’s always loved it). Now that he eats it again I can finally make a rice dish that they both love!
Now that looks delicious! I have never tried preparing risotto but I always see this being prepared on TV.
This recipe looks so delicious and easy to make. I will have to give it a try this weekend.
Sounds like a delicious risotto for kids. I’ll have to try this recipe with my little ones
Omg this risotto looks so yummy!!! Who knew it was so easy to make! Totally need to make some!
Thank you! Yes, this version is definitely easy!
Thanks for this easy recipe. Really perfect for kids! I think I’ll add more cheese on this.
Why not? I always add a ton right before I serve it (the kids like to actually SEE the cheese, lol!).
My boys love this, we all love risotto. We love it with a generous amount of cheese!
This rice dish looks so simple to make. I love Risotto. Can’t wait to try it with my family.
Made this rice dish…..it was so easy and tasty. I will definitely be making it again.
That’s great! Glad you loved it!
I know what I’ll be cooking for dinner tonight! I have all the ingredients and it sounds super easy!
That’s great Kristen! How did it turn out?
This looks so good. I’m going to have to try it. I will have to find the rice next time I’m at the grocery store.
I would love to make this. I don’t think I have ever made this before. Thanks for the recipe.
We love risottos and this unique version sounds so amazing!! We are going to have to try this soon!
This looks amazing. I’ve never actually had risotto before. I bet it tastes great too. This looks like something my whole family would enjoy too.
Risotto is awesome; I’m sure you’ll love it. I normally stick with mushroom, but this marinara risotto has me all kinds of happy.
Me too! Mushroom risotto, or shrimp and peas are my go-to risotto recipes!
That sounds like it’s going to quickly become a family favorite. Marinara sauce on anything gets gobbled up by my kids.
I think this risotto dish would be positively delicious! I love risotto and would bet this version would be no different.
Risotto makes me so very happy! Yummy, filling and goes great with every meal. I never realized it was so easy to make from scratch! Thanks for sharing.
Well, this version is much quicker than the traditional one! I also use the leftovers to make arancini (fried rice balls stuffed with cheese!).
This looks so delicious i will have to try making it this weekend. It looks easy to make. I will have to pick up the ingredients tomorrow.
Awesome Ann! You’ll love how quick and easy it is to make. I’d love some feedback on the Blog after you make it!
Looks delicious! My kids love risotto, however, I am no expect in making it so we have to go to a restaurant to enjoy our favorite food. Your recipe looks so easy to follow. I’m going to try making it myself.
You should definitely give it a try!
This looks so good and “easy” is right up my alley! I will have to try this for dinner.
I have never eaten Risotto let alone make it. I hear it is kind of tricky to get it just right, but I love a good challenge. This looks quite tasty.
The traditional one is a bit tricky but perfecting it comes with practice. It also depends on how you prefer your risotto…I know it’s ‘supposed to be’ super creamy and runny but I actually prefer mine a little firmer.
I have never attempted Risotto because I heard it’s so hard to make. This looks like a great recipe so I’m going to try it.
Stuff like this goes over real BIG in our house. My kids are going to love this!
Since you’re Italian, I’m assuming you’ve made risotto before, right?! 😉