Cheesy Tomato Basil Rice Skillet

Once you add the rice to your skillet along with the broth and tomatoes, the simmering process is essential for achieving the perfect texture. It's during this step that the rice absorbs the liquid, which is crucial for both flavor and consistency.

Discover the warmth and comfort of a Cheesy Tomato Basil Rice Skillet, the perfect one-pot meal for any family dinner or quick weeknight feast. This delightful recipe combines fluffy long-grain rice with juicy tomatoes, fresh spinach, aromatic spices, and a luscious blend of melted cheeses. Simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite. Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit your dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy a bowl of this creamy goodness and savor every bite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain rice

2 cups vegetable broth

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the Rice: Add the long-grain rice to the skillet and stir well to combine with the onion and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes. This will help to toast the rice slightly and enhance its flavor.

Incorporate the Liquids: Pour in the vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes (with juice). Add oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together to ensure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid.

Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Spinach and Cheese: Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the chopped spinach until wilted. Then, mix in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and gooey.

Serve: Garnish the Cheesy Tomato Basil Rice Skillet with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish hot!

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