Comforting, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Hey There!
If you need a cozy side dish that’s easy to whip up and full of fresh flavor—this Tomato Basil Rice is it. It’s naturally gluten-free, no fancy ingredients, and packs a punch of tomato-y goodness with sweet basil in every bite.
I make this a few times a month when I need something fast, tasty, and a little different from plain rice. It’s also great for meal prep or to serve with anything from grilled chicken to roasted veggies. Let’s get into it!
🍚 Why I Love This Recipe
This rice has saved dinner so many times. It’s simple, pantry-friendly, and feels like something you’d get at a cozy Italian spot.
- No gluten, no stress. Naturally gluten-free—no swaps needed.
- Only one pot. So cleanup is super quick.
- Versatile. It works with so many meals or on its own.
- Fresh but hearty. The tomato paste adds richness, while the basil keeps it bright.
- Takes under 30 minutes. Start to finish!
🍽️ Servings & Time
- Serves: 4
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Active prep: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (like jasmine or basmati)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, helps balance the tomato flavor)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Rinse your rice! It keeps the texture fluffy, not gummy.
- Don’t skip the tomato paste. It adds a rich, deep flavor fast.
- Add basil at the end. Cooking it too long makes it dull.
- Use low-sodium broth. You control the salt level better.
- Let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Makes it even fluffier.
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Small bowls for measuring spices
- Measuring cups and spoons
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- No fresh basil? Use 1 teaspoon dried basil instead.
- Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- More veggies? Toss in some frozen peas or diced bell pepper.
- Different grain? Try quinoa or brown rice (adjust cook time).
🕰️ Make Ahead Tips
- You can chop the onion and garlic a day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Cook the rice fully and reheat with a splash of broth or water.
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The tomato paste adds umami and richness because it’s concentrated—just a little brings tons of flavor. Simmering rice in broth instead of water gives more depth. Finishing with fresh basil keeps the flavor bright and aromatic, balancing the cozy tomato base.
📋 Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add finely diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds
Step 2: Stir in Tomato Paste
Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Stir and cook for about 1 minute to caramelize it slightly—it should deepen in color and smell rich.
Step 3: Add Rice and Seasonings
Add 1 cup uncooked white rice, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon oregano, and ½ teaspoon sugar. Stir to coat the rice.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Simmer
Pour in 2 cups chicken broth. Stir, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Stir in Fresh Basil
Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Then stir in ¼ cup chopped fresh basil and fluff with a fork.
🍱 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth.
- Great in burritos, wraps, or as a base for a rice bowl!
📊 Macros (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 205
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 4.5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
🥘 Meal Plan Ideas
- Serve with grilled chicken or salmon
- Add black beans for a vegetarian protein
- Use as stuffing in bell peppers
- Pair with sautéed greens for a quick lunch
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Not rinsing the rice. Leads to sticky, clumpy rice.
- Burning the garlic. It turns bitter—only sauté it briefly.
- Overcooking the basil. Add it last to keep it fresh.
- Too much salt. If using regular broth, reduce added salt.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Grilled chicken thighs or lemon garlic shrimp
- Roasted zucchini or asparagus
- Greek yogurt with cucumber and dill
- A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
❓ FAQ
Can I use brown rice?
Yes! Just increase cook time to 40–45 minutes and use a little more broth.
Can I make this vegan?
Totally—use veggie broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I freeze it?
It freezes okay, but texture may be softer after thawing.
💬 You Got This!
Seriously—this recipe is simple, flexible, and totally delicious. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a weekend meal prep, it’ll come through every time. Give it a try and let me know how it goes in the comments—I’d love to hear what you served it with or how you tweaked it!
Happy cooking 🍅🌿