Go Back
To make a tasty Tomato Basil Rice Skillet, gather these key items: - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Zest of 1 lemon These ingredients create a bright and flavorful dish. The rice absorbs the broth and tomato juices well. Each bite offers a mix of herbs and a hint of lemon. You can enhance this dish with a few optional ingredients: - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - Extra vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini Adding Parmesan cheese can make the dish creamier. Red pepper flakes offer a nice kick if you enjoy spice. When choosing fresh basil, look for vibrant green leaves without brown spots. The leaves should smell fragrant. For tomatoes, choose ones that feel firm and heavy for their size. Ripe tomatoes should also have a sweet aroma. These tips ensure your dish bursts with fresh flavor. Start by warming the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes. You want it soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Next, add the minced garlic and dried oregano. Sauté for one more minute. The garlic should smell great but not brown. This step builds a strong base of flavor for your dish. Pour the uncooked long-grain rice into the skillet. Stir it well to coat it with the oil and onion mix. This toasting step adds a nice, nutty flavor to the rice. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes. Stir frequently to keep it from sticking. You want it to be lightly toasted, which will make your dish taste even better. Now it’s time to add the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Check it occasionally to ensure it’s not sticking. When the rice is tender and the liquid absorbs, it’s ready. After cooking, stir in the fresh basil, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese if you like. Mix gently to combine all the flavors. Use a fork to fluff the rice carefully. This helps distribute the basil evenly. Enjoy your flavorful and quick meal! To cook rice perfectly, use the right water-to-rice ratio. For this recipe, I use 2 cups of broth for every 1 cup of rice. Always rinse the rice under cold water before cooking. This removes excess starch and helps the rice stay fluffy. When cooking, bring the mix to a gentle boil and then cover it. Lower the heat and let it simmer. This keeps the steam in and cooks the rice evenly. After cooking, let it sit covered for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This resting time makes a big difference. Herbs and spices are key for great flavor. In this dish, I add dried oregano with the onion and garlic. It gives a warm, earthy taste. Fresh basil adds a bright, refreshing note. Don’t be shy with the basil; use a generous half cup. If you want more depth, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Experiment with your favorite herbs to make it your own. Presentation is important. I like to serve the rice directly in the skillet. It looks rustic and inviting. Before serving, sprinkle extra basil on top for color. A light dusting of Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch. You can also add lemon wedges on the side. This gives a fresh pop when squeezed over the dish. Make it fun and appealing to the eyes! {{image_4}} You can add protein to your Tomato Basil Rice Skillet. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work great. For chicken, use diced breast or thighs. Cook it until golden before adding the onion. For shrimp, toss them in right after the garlic. They only need a few minutes until pink. If you choose tofu, use firm tofu and sauté it until crispy. Each option adds flavor and makes this dish more filling. This dish is vegetarian-friendly already. To make it vegan, simply leave out the Parmesan cheese. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These ingredients add color and nutrition. Use vegetable broth to keep it vegan. You can also add chickpeas for extra protein. This way, you keep it healthy and hearty. Rice is great, but you can switch it up! Quinoa is a tasty choice. It cooks fast and adds a nutty flavor. Barley is another option, bringing a chewy texture. For a gluten-free meal, use cauliflower rice. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Each grain gives a unique twist to your Tomato Basil Rice Skillet. To keep your Tomato Basil Rice Skillet fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. Just follow the freezing steps below for the best results. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them on the stove. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to keep it moist. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring often until warm. You can also use the microwave. Place the rice in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This will help it heat evenly. For freezing, pack the cooled rice into airtight freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned above for the best flavor. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use brown rice. It takes longer to cook. Use about 2 ½ cups of vegetable broth for better moisture. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor. Just remember to check the rice often as it cooks. If you want a substitute for Parmesan cheese, try nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor but is dairy-free. You can also use pecorino cheese or a vegan cheese blend. These options work well and keep the dish tasty. To add spice, consider adding red pepper flakes. A pinch will give a nice kick. You can also use diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. These additions will enhance the flavor without overwhelming the dish. In this post, we explored how to make a tasty Tomato Basil Rice Skillet. We covered essential and optional ingredients, guiding you on selecting fresh basil and tomatoes. The step-by-step instructions ensured you know how to prepare, toast, and simmer the dish perfectly. With helpful tips for cooking rice and adding flavor, you'll impress anyone with your dish. Don’t forget the variations with proteins and grains, plus smart storage ideas for leftovers. Enjoy creating and sharing this delicious meal that’s sure to please!

Tomato Basil Rice Skillet

Discover the deliciousness of Tomato Basil Rice Skillet with this easy recipe! This one-pan dish combines aromatic garlic, fresh basil, and zesty lemon for a flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting and satisfying dish that serves four. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner with this tasty twist on rice!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup long-grain rice

2 cups vegetable broth

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Begin by warming the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.

    Once the onion is ready, add the minced garlic and dried oregano into the skillet. Sauté for an additional minute, stirring continuously until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.

      Next, pour the uncooked long-grain rice into the skillet, stirring it thoroughly to coat with the aromatic oil and onion mixture. Toast the rice for approximately 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

        Gradually pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes, including their juices. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

          Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Check occasionally to ensure it’s not sticking.

            Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the freshly chopped basil, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese (if you’re using it). Mix gently to combine all the flavors.

              Use a fork to fluff the rice carefully, ensuring that the basil is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

                Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the rice skillet directly in the pan for a charming, rustic presentation. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Pair with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing touch.