Some of the most reliable recipes are the ones that require minimal effort and leave you with very few dishes to wash afterward. This One Pot Tomato Basil Rice is exactly that kind of meal.
Made with rice, juicy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil, this recipe delivers plenty of flavor using simple ingredients. Everything cooks together in a single pot, allowing the rice to absorb the rich tomato flavor while staying light and fluffy.
It's an excellent choice for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you need a comforting vegetarian dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
What You'll Need
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional toppings:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Red chili flakes
- Extra basil leaves
- Toasted pine nuts
How to Make One Pot Tomato Basil Rice
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the Tomatoes
Add the chopped tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
Cook for 4–5 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down and release their juices.
3. Cook the Rice
Add the rice and stir to coat it with the tomato mixture.
Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Finish with Fresh Basil
Remove the pot from the heat.
Let the rice rest for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
Stir in the chopped basil just before serving.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm as a light main dish or as a side alongside roasted vegetables, salads, or grilled plant-based proteins.
Watch the video recipe here:
Things That Make This Recipe Shine
While the recipe is simple, a few ingredients make a noticeable difference:
- Fresh ripe tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Good-quality vegetable broth
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh garlic
These ingredients create the bright, comforting flavor that makes this rice dish so satisfying.
Final Tip
For even deeper flavor, lightly toast the rice in the pot for a minute before adding the broth. This simple step gives the rice a subtle nuttiness and helps the grains stay fluffy after cooking.
If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator and add a splash of broth when reheating to bring back the rice's soft texture.
For another easy vegetarian dinner, check out my Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry, featuring crispy tofu and vibrant vegetables in a flavorful sauce.