Italian Style Rice and Beans

Transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy with this comforting Italian-Style Rice and Beans recipe. Brimming with vibrant flavors, this one-pot dish combines creamy arborio rice, hearty white beans, and a rich tomato base infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Sautéed onions and fresh basil add layers of aromatic delight, while a touch of Parmesan cheese (optional) creates a velvety finish. Perfect for meal prep or a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe is both nutritious and irresistibly indulgent. With just 40 minutes from prep to table, you can enjoy a wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s as easy to make as it is to devour! Keywords: Italian rice and beans, arborio rice recipe, Mediterranean dinner, vegetarian comfort food, quick Italian recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 15 ounces cooked white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup uncooked arborio rice
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cup, grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened but not browned.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth to the pan. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Stir in the arborio rice, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid.

Step 7

Cook the rice for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking, until it is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 8

Gently fold in the white beans and allow them to heat through for 3-4 minutes.

Step 9

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 11

Serve hot, topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1742.4 grams (1742.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2127

Total Fat 62.70g	80%
Saturated Fat 18.30g	92%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.50g
Cholesterol 61mg	20%
Sodium 4873mg	212%
Total Carbohydrate 310.20g	113%
Dietary Fiber 47.10g	168%
Total Sugars 30.10g
Protein 81.50g	163%

Vitamin D 13IU	64%
Calcium 1252mg	96%
Iron 17mg	96%
Potassium 4565mg	97%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 26.5%

Protein: 15.3%

Carbs: 58.2%