Simmered Italian Rice
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this aromatic and comforting Simmered Italian Rice recipe, a flavorful twist on classic rice dishes. Perfectly cooked long-grain white rice receives a vibrant upgrade with the tangy richness of crushed tomatoes, a hint of garlic and onion, and a medley of Italian seasonings. Slowly simmered in chicken or vegetable broth, this dish delivers a creamy, hearty texture without dairy, making it ideal for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Ready in just 35 minutes and served with optional garnishes of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, it’s the perfect side or standalone meal for busy nights. Whether you're looking for easy rice recipes, one-pot Italian meals, or simple comfort food, this dish will be a crowd-pleaser every time!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the long-grain white rice and stir to coat it evenly in the oil, toasting it lightly for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the rice.
Gradually add the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring continuously.
Add the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
Allow the rice to cook for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and transfer it to a serving dish.
Optionally, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
914 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.9 g | 60% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.4 g | 77% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 48 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 4114 mg | 179% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 89.4 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.6 g | 27% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.8 g | ||
| Protein | 36.0 g | 72% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 809 mg | 62% | |
| Iron | 5.8 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 1207 mg | 26% | |
*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.
