Tomato Basil Rice Recipe

Name: Tomato Basil Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Long-grain white rice (Jasmine or basmati preferred); 2 cups Chicken broth (Use vegetable broth for vegetarian option); 14.5 oz can Diced tomatoes (Drained); 2 tbsp Olive oil; 1 medium Onion (Finely diced); 3 cloves Garlic (Minced); 1/4 cup Fresh basil leaves (Chopped, plus extra for garnish); 1/2 tsp Dried oregano; Salt & black pepper (To taste); 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional) (Grated); 1 tbsp Tomato paste (optional) (For deeper flavor); Red pepper flakes (optional) (For heat)

Nothing beats the comfort of a perfectly prepared tomato basil rice recipe that brings together the vibrant flavors of Italy right in your kitchen. This simple yet delicious dish combines fluffy rice with juicy tomatoes and aromatic fresh basil, creating a side dish that's both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you're planning a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this tomato basil rice recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the fuss.

What makes this tomato basil rice recipe truly special is its versatility and simplicity. In just 15 minutes, you'll have a colorful, flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or can stand alone as a light vegetarian meal. The combination of fresh ingredients and one-pot cooking method makes this tomato basil rice recipe a go-to favorite for busy home cooks.

Overhead photo of homemade tomato basil rice recipe in a white bowl, garnished with fresh basil on a white kitchen counter.

Why This Mediterranean Rice Dish Will Become Your New Favorite

This particular tomato basil rice recipe stands out from other rice dishes because it captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking with minimal effort. The secret lies in building layers of flavor by cooking the rice directly in a rich tomato base, allowing every grain to absorb the robust flavors of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. Unlike traditional plain rice, this tomato basil rice recipe transforms an ordinary side dish into something extraordinary.

The beauty of this tomato basil rice recipe extends beyond its taste. It's incredibly forgiving for beginners, requires only basic pantry ingredients, and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings. The fresh tomatoes provide natural acidity that brightens the entire dish, while the basil adds that distinctive Italian flair that makes this tomato basil rice recipe feel both homey and sophisticated.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Instructions
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Equipment Recommendations
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
FAQ
Perfect Pairings for Your Next Meal
Related
Pairing
Tomato Basil Rice Recipe

Ingredients

Long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati)
Low-sodium chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
Canned diced tomatoes, drained
Olive oil
Medium onion, finely diced

Fresh Herbs and Aromatics:

Fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Garlic cloves, minced
Dried oregano
Salt and black pepper

Optional Enhancements:

Red pepper flakes for heat
Grated Parmesan cheese
Tomato paste for deeper flavor

Overhead photo of tomato basil rice ingredients on a white kitchen counter including rice, basil, tomatoes, garlic, onion, and olive oil.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare Your Base

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat
Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant
Add tomato paste (if using) and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly

Toast and Season the Rice

Add rice to the pan and stir to coat with the oil and aromatics
Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning
Season with salt, pepper, and oregano
Add the drained diced tomatoes and stir to combine

Cook to Perfection

Fluff with a fork and stir in fresh chopped basil
Pour in the chicken broth and bring mixture to a boil
Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes
Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes

Expert Cooking Tips

Rice Selection Matters Choose long-grain varieties like jasmine or basmati for the best texture. These types stay separate and fluffy rather than becoming sticky. Short-grain rice can make your dish too creamy for this particular style.
Perfect Liquid Ratio The key to success lies in the 1:2 rice-to-liquid ratio. However, since we're using diced tomatoes, reduce the broth slightly to account for the extra moisture from the tomatoes.

Timing Is Everything

Never lift the lid during cooking ; this releases essential steam
Always let the rice rest off heat for 5 minutes before fluffing
Fresh basil should be added at the very end to preserve its bright color and flavor

Flavor Building Techniques

Sautéing the onion first creates a sweet base
Toasting the rice adds a nutty depth
Using quality canned tomatoes makes a noticeable difference

This tomato basil rice recipe rewards patience and attention to these simple details.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Dietary Modifications

Vegetarian Version Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth or water with added salt. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for more complex flavors.
Vegan Adaptation Skip the Parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Increase the garlic and herbs to compensate for the missing dairy richness.
Gluten-Free Option This tomato basil rice recipe is naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free broth.

Creative Variations

Protein Additions

Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage during the last 5 minutes
Add white beans for extra protein and fiber
Include diced mozzarella for a caprese-inspired twist

Vegetable Enhancements

Bell peppers and zucchini work beautifully
Spinach wilted in at the end adds nutrition and color
Sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated flavor

International Twists Transform this basic tomato basil rice recipe into Spanish-style by adding saffron and peas, or go Greek with olives and feta cheese.

Equipment Recommendations

Essential Tools

Medium heavy-bottom saucepan with tight-fitting lid
Wooden spoon for stirring (won't scratch your pan)
Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
Measuring cups for accurate ratios

Nice-to-Have Items

Rice cooker (adapt the recipe by sautéing aromatics first, then transferring)
Fine-mesh strainer for rinsing rice
Microplane grater for fresh Parmesan

The right equipment ensures your tomato basil rice recipe turns out perfectly every time, with evenly cooked grains and well-distributed flavors.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover rice in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve overnight as the herbs and tomatoes meld together.

Freezing Instructions

This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into meal-sized containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Methods

Microwave: Add 1-2 tablespoons of broth and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between
Stovetop: Add a splash of broth and heat over low heat, stirring gently
Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 300°F for 15-20 minutes

This tomato basil rice recipe maintains its texture beautifully when stored and reheated properly.

Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything

Here's the game-changing secret that elevates this tomato basil rice recipe from good to absolutely incredible: always bloom your dried herbs in the hot oil before adding any liquid. This simple step releases the essential oils and creates a more complex, restaurant-quality flavor base that penetrates every grain of rice.

The second secret involves the basil timing. While most recipes call for adding all the herbs at once, the best tomato basil rice recipe uses a two-stage approach. Add half the fresh basil during cooking for deep, integrated flavor, then stir in the remaining fresh basil at the very end for bright, vibrant notes that pop in your mouth.

FAQ

How to make tomato and basil rice?

Start by sautéing onions and garlic, add rice to toast briefly, then stir in diced tomatoes and broth. Simmer covered for 18-20 minutes, then finish with fresh basil. This tomato basil rice recipe is straightforward and foolproof.

What goes with tomato and basil rice?

This versatile side pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, baked fish, Italian sausages, or roasted vegetables. It also works as a light lunch with a simple green salad and crusty bread.

Do basil and tomato go together?

Absolutely! Basil and tomato are classic Mediterranean flavor partners. The sweet, peppery notes of basil complement the acidity of tomatoes perfectly, making this tomato basil rice recipe a natural winner.

Did they discontinue tomato basil rice cakes?

While some brands may have discontinued specific flavors, you can easily recreate those flavors at home with this homemade tomato basil rice recipe, which offers much fresher taste and better nutrition.

Perfect Pairings for Your Next Meal

This aromatic tomato basil rice recipe creates the perfect foundation for a complete Italian-inspired dinner. The rich, herbed flavors complement both light and hearty main dishes, making it incredibly versatile for any occasion.

For your next dinner party, try pairing this tomato basil rice recipe with our Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe for an elegant autumn meal, or serve it alongside our warming Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup Recipe for the ultimate comfort food experience. These combinations showcase how this simple tomato basil rice recipe can anchor a memorable meal that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.

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