Gluten-Free Easy Tomato Basil Rice

Gluten-Free Easy Tomato Basil Rice

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By Millie Pham

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
Gluten-Free Easy Tomato Basil Rice

🛒 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.

Gluten-Free Easy Tomato Basil Rice

🍱 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 🍅🌿

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