Creamy Tomato Basil Rice

Name: Creamy Tomato Basil Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup arborio rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love this creamy tomato basil rice recipe! It combines the heartiness of rice with the freshness of basil and the richness of cream and tomatoes. As someone who appreciates comfort food with a gourmet twist, this dish brings me so much joy. It’s perfect as a side or even as a main dish, and it’s incredibly easy to whip up in just 30 minutes. I often serve it at family gatherings or dinner parties, and it never fails to impress everyone at the table.

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-15T12:34:18.055Z

Making creamy tomato basil rice was a delightful experiment in my kitchen. I chose ripe tomatoes and fresh basil from my garden, which added such vibrant flavors to the dish. The key was to toast the rice before cooking it in the tomato mixture; this technique deepens the flavor and gives the rice a wonderful texture. I also learned that adding cream at the end makes it silky smooth and rich.

One of my favorite tips is to let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld. Each spoonful is bursting with the freshness of basil and the comforting taste of creamy tomatoes, making it a satisfying meal that everyone will love. It’s definitely a recipe I come back to frequently.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, creamy texture that complements the vibrant basil flavor
Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights
Versatile enough to enjoy as a side dish or hearty main course

      

The Role of Arborio Rice

Using arborio rice in this creamy tomato basil rice recipe is crucial for achieving that perfect creamy texture. This short-grain rice is high in starch, which helps create a luscious, velvety consistency as it cooks. When toasting the rice, aim for a light golden hue, which enhances its nutty flavor and ensures the dish will have depth. If you can't find arborio rice, you can substitute with carnaroli or even a short-grain rice like sushi rice, but the texture may vary slightly.

One of the common pitfalls when cooking arborio rice is overcooking, which can lead to a mushy consistency. Monitoring the cooking time closely, typically around 15 minutes, will yield tender rice while retaining some bite. If you notice the rice is getting too dry before it’s fully cooked, add a splash of additional broth to keep it moist, rather than letting it sit on the heat.

Substitutions and Dietary Swaps

This recipe offers plenty of flexibility for ingredient substitutions, making it easy to tailor to your dietary needs. If you’re looking to cut back on dairy, consider using coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a slightly different flavor profile and a lighter texture. Additionally, if you want to increase the protein content, stirring in some cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp at the end can make this dish even heartier.

For a lighter option, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream, such as almond or soy cream. Just keep in mind that it may alter the richness a bit, so taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly at the end. If fresh basil isn’t available, substitute with a teaspoon of dried basil; however, fresh herbs bring a bright, vibrant flavor that really elevates this dish.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your creamy tomato basil rice.

Ingredients

1 cup arborio rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious creamy tomato basil rice.

Sauté the aromatics

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Toast the rice

Add the arborio rice to the pan and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This will enhance the nutty flavor of the rice.

Add the tomatoes and broth

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Stir in cream and basil

Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Let the creamy tomato basil rice sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish warm.

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. You can also swap out the vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing this creamy tomato basil rice in advance is a breeze. You can cook the dish entirely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to restore its silky texture, heating over medium-low heat on the stove to gently warm it through, avoiding microwave reheating that can make the rice rubbery.

Alternatively, consider preparing the rice and sauce separately. Cook the rice al dente and store it, then combine with the creamy tomato sauce just before serving. This method ensures your rice remains perfectly textured and fresh. If you want to freeze this dish, I recommend freezing the sauce separately from the rice, as it can lose its creamy consistency when frozen together.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy tomato basil rice pairs wonderfully as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables. The vibrant basil and creamy texture complement a variety of mains beautifully. Consider topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving for an extra flavor boost that ties the dish together.

For a vegetarian option, layer this rice with sautéed spinach and cherry tomatoes on top for a colorful presentation. You could also use it as a base for a grain bowl: add roasted chickpeas, a handful of arugula, and your choice of a tangy dressing for a complete meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a vegan cream alternative and opt for vegetable broth.

→ What type of rice is best for this dish?

Arborio rice is preferred due to its creamy texture when cooked, but you can also use other short-grain rice varieties.

→ Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh basil will give the best flavor. If using dried basil, reduce the amount to about a teaspoon, as it is more concentrated.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.