How to Cook Italian Rice: Easy Italian Rice Recipe

Italian rice is a flavorful rice dish that draws inspiration from classic Italian ingredients, like crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and parmesan cheese. A twist on classic dishes such as Mexican or Spanish rice, this Italian-style dish is made by cooking long-grain white rice pilaf-style on the stove top in a savory liquid consisting of broth, tomato sauce, and Mediterranean seasonings. Serve this robust rice as a side dish or appetizer, or topped with a protein for a main course that will instantly transport you to Italy.

Whether you’re a pro at cooking rice, or working with grains for the first time, these easy-to-follow tips will guide you in the right direction.

1. 1. Use high-quality ingredients. The quality of ingredients used to craft this Italian-style rice will make or break the dish. Use high-quality canned tomatoes; bright, leafy basil; and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese to make the most of this simple recipe.
2. 2. Switch up the rice. While this recipe calls for long-grain rice, feel free to adapt this dish for whichever type of rice you have on hand. Use short-grain rice, brown rice, a classic Italian medium-grain rice such as Carnaroli or Vialone Nano, or make use of pantry staples like jasmine rice and basmati rice. For a more velvety texture, use Arborio rice, a short-grain Italian variety typically used to make creamy risotto; just be sure to opt for a low-and-slow cooking style if you choose to cook Arborio rice.
3. 3. Play around with additions. This simple recipe can be adapted to include a variety of veggies, herbs, and cheeses. Add Mediterranean vegetables like chopped eggplant, red pepper, spinach, zucchini, or pungent herbs like fresh oregano. Layer on the Italian cheeses by adding mozzarella or grated Grana Padano cheese. Add a splash of white wine or red wine to the sauce for some added depth, or incorporate heavy cream for a more creamy texture.
4. 4. Remix the leftovers. While this leftover rice will be delicious on its own, these leftovers can also be turned into arancini (rice balls), for a traditional Italian treat. Simply use the cooked rice in a classic arancini recipe for a flavor packed bite-sized treat. Alternatively, turn this leftover rice into Italian-style fried rice.