Quick Italian Rice Recipe
Make and share this delicious Quick Italian Rice recipe from Love With Recipes.
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
This Quick Italian Rice is a delightful, healthy side dish featuring the perfect combination of long-grain rice, sautéed vegetables, and a touch of white wine. With a balanced flavor profile and low cholesterol content, it’s perfect for any occasion where you need a fast, flavorful dish to complement your main course. The rice is tender and aromatic, complemented by the natural sweetness of sautéed carrots and zucchini, all rounded off with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Whether you’re looking for a light weeknight dinner or a side dish to complete your festive meals, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients for Quick Italian Rice
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Long-grain rice | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Butter | 1/2 tbsp |
| Carrot (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Zucchini (chopped) | 1/2 medium |
| Dry white wine | 1/4 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/4 – 1/3 cup |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 177.1 kcal |
| Fat Content | 3.9 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 2.1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 8.8 mg |
| Sodium Content | 343.2 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 27.3 g |
| Fiber Content | 1 g |
| Sugar Content | 1.4 g |
| Protein Content | 5.9 g |
Instructions for Quick Italian Rice
-
Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine the long-grain rice with 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside to keep warm. -
Prepare the Vegetables
While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the chopped carrots, zucchini, and yellow squash (if using), stirring occasionally. Sauté the vegetables for about 2 to 3 minutes or until they begin to soften, but remain crisp-tender. -
Deglaze with Wine
Add the dry white wine to the vegetables in the skillet, allowing it to cook off for about 2 minutes. This step will infuse the vegetables with a subtle richness and depth of flavor, while also adding a slight tangy note. -
Combine Rice and Vegetables
Return to the rice, and add the remaining 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the pot. Stir the rice over medium-high heat until the broth is fully absorbed, making the rice fluffy and moist. Once the rice is ready, add the sautéed vegetables to the pot, along with the grated parmesan cheese. Stir everything together, ensuring the cheese melts and the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the rice. -
Season and Serve
Finish the dish by seasoning it with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, ensuring each portion is packed with the delicious, flavorful mixture of rice, vegetables, and parmesan.
This Quick Italian Rice is a wonderful way to elevate your meal in under an hour. Perfectly balanced in taste and texture, it’s a fantastic addition to any meal. The vegetables bring a fresh, natural sweetness, while the wine and parmesan add layers of savory complexity. Whether you’re making it as a side for your family dinner or preparing it to serve at a dinner party, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of Italy with this simple yet satisfying dish!
