Pesto Rice
Transform your weeknight meals with this vibrant and flavorful pesto rice recipe, a quick and easy dish that's perfect as a side or light main course. Made with tender, fluffy white rice infused with the bold, herbal richness of pesto, this dish is brought to life with a touch of olive oil and a sprinkle of savory parmesan cheese. Optional toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, while fresh basil leaves provide a fragrant and colorful garnish. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this versatile recipe is ideal for busy nights, pleasing vegetarians and pesto lovers alike. Discover how a few simple ingredients can deliver a restaurant-worthy experience at home!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 cups store-bought or homemade pesto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.25 cups parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the rice simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes with the lid on. This allows the rice to become fully tender.
Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm rice with the pesto and olive oil. Stir until all the rice is evenly coated with pesto.
If using, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.
Transfer the pesto rice to a serving dish. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts, if desired.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and extra flavor.
Serve warm as a side dish or light main course. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
775 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.3 g | 72% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.4 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 27 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 1703 mg | 74% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 52.0 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.7 g | ||
| Protein | 18.6 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 366 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 217 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
