This collection of 17 delicious Italian recipes with rice offers a flavorful range of traditional rice dishes and creative takes on incredible classics. From savory and comforting risottos, Italian rice casseroles, orzo rice pilaf to rice stuffed tomatoes and arancini, this list has the perfect recipe for everyone.
This delicious little grain has always been my go-to comfort food, from cozy family dinners to late-night cravings. This fantastic list includes some of my absolute favorite Italian rice recipes. These easy rice recipes are hearty, flavorful, and not your average pasta dishes.
Why are Italian Rice Dishes so Incredible?
Arborio rice and Carnaroli rice are favorites and are most well-known when referring to Italian rice. Arborio rice is a plump, short-grain rice with a high starch content. Carnaroli rice is a higher-quality rice known for its superior flavor and texture. The grain in Carnaroli rice is longer and contains less starch than arborio rice.
These Italian rice varieties can soak up incredible flavors while still keeping a bit of bite. That means you get a creamy texture without having to add any cream, unlike basmati rice or brown rice. Rice is a blank canvas in Italian cooking and has the ability to absorb deep and complex flavors from chicken broth and tomato sauce.
Rice is not just a staple in Italian cooking, but it's recognized as a symbol of hospitality and tradition. In Milan, saffron-infused risotto alla Milanese is popular. Likewise, fried rice balls called arancini are a popular snack in Sicily. Every region of Italy has its own favorite way of using rice in Italian food.
From classic risotto and arancini to stuffed tomatoes and cold rice salads, this list of Italian rice recipes is one you will want to save for when craving something comforting and delicious.
Classic Risottos
Pea and Wild Garlic Risotto with Cheddar Tuile
Bright sweet peas, wild garlic, shallots, olive oil, and vegetable stock create this beautiful green risotto. Using a vegetable stock bouillon cube to make the broth is the secret that gives this Italian rice recipe extra umami flavor.
Easy Instant Pot Risotto with Butternut Squash
There is no need to stand over the stove stirring this risotto recipe as it is made entirely in an instant pot. Sweet butternut squash, fresh sage, and salty parmesan cheese make this easy rice recipe delicious without the fuss.
Creamy Mushroom and Leek Risotto, Vegan
Using Italian rice, this creamy mushroom and leek risotto doesn't use any cream. With porcini mushrooms, wild mushrooms, garlic, celery, olive oil, and vegetable stock, it's the perfect recipe to enjoy during cold weather.
White Bean Risotto
This white bean risotto is surprisingly delicious with just a few simple ingredients. Made with onions, garlic, arborio rice, cannellini beans, and white wine, this Italian rice dish is still satisfying as a side dish but hearty enough to serve as a main course.
Creamy Parmesan Risotto Recipe with Shrimp
Making your own shrimp stock to simmer the Arborio rice adds extra flavor to this delicious Italian rice recipe. A simple blend of aromatics, fresh parsley, and parmigiano reggiano cheese completes this comforting dish.
Jammy Zucchini Risotto Recipe with Lemon and Herbs
This clever risotto recipe reserves the liquid squeezed out from the shredded zucchini to create a broth with outrageously delicious zucchini flavor. Adding fresh herbs, lemon zest, parmesan, and salt and pepper make this incredible recipe perfect for summer.
Pilafs and Stuffed Rice Dishes
Orzo Rice Pilaf with Garlic and Herbs
This Italian rice recipe uses both orzo and basmati rice. While orzo is technically a pasta shaped like rice, it toasts up and brings an incredible nutty flavor to this rice dish. The rice and orzo soak up the delicious flavor of the onions, garlic, and chicken broth. It is effortless to make and is one of my all-time favorite recipes.
Rice Stuffed Tomatoes
Rice stuffed tomatoes are a great side dish to make in advance and heat up right before serving. Hollowed-out tomatoes are stuffed with a savory mixture of Italian rice, fresh basil, and capers. They are then baked on a bed of diced potatoes and olive oil until tender.
Italian Rice Balls (Arancini)
Arancini is a popular Italian rice recipe in the US and Italy. These rice balls are stuffed with ground beef and cheese and then breaded and fried. Assemble them in advance and fry them once guests arrive to serve them while still hot and melty.
Seasonal & Unique Rice Dishes
Butternut Squash Barley Risotto
This risotto includes pearled barley, cubed butternut squash, white wine, onion, garlic, thyme, and parmesan cheese for a creamy and comforting meal perfect for cold weather.
Creamy Pumpkin & Mushroom Risotto
This creamy risotto recipe is absolutely perfect for the fall season, made with rich pumpkin puree, savory chicken broth, hearty mushrooms, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. It's the perfect recipe when you want to warm up on cold nights.
Creme Fraiche Risotto with Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil
This risotto recipe is a great way to use up summer's leftover tomatoes. Creme fraiche adds extra creaminess to the rice, while bright, juicy tomatoes and fresh basil balance the richness of this dish.
Arborio Risotto with Asparagus and Peas
A delicious way to use spring vegetables is this risotto, cooked in broth and aromatics and topped with cooked asparagus and sweet peas. This recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of spring.
Italian Rice Salad - Insalata di Riso
This unique Mediterranean recipe uses brown rice in a delicious cold salad perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Fresh cucumber, tomatoes, arugula, and feta cheese are mixed with fresh herbs, including oregano, dill, and cilantro. Then, they are tossed in a tangy red wine vinegar and lemon dressing to create an outrageously flavorful and exciting Italian rice salad.
Italian Rice Casseroles
Italian Rice Eggplant Timbale Recipe (Timballo di Melanzane)
This show-stopping recipe is a mix of eggplant, rice, tomato sauce, chopped onion, and cheese. It's cooked and assembled in a timbale or mold, like a bundt pan, and baked to hold its shape. It is a perfect recipe to be made in advance to allow more time for entertaining.
Italian Baked Rice Casserole (Riso al Forno)
This delicious recipe bakes rice in a savory thick meat sauce to make an out-of-this-world dish more commonly known as riso al forno. Topped with parmesan cheese and melty mozzarella, it's a simple and comforting dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Lemon Chickpea and Rice Casserole
With fresh flavors of lemon, bright sweet green peas, and salty chickpeas, this dish is great as a side or main dish. The rice casserole can be made in advance and freezes well. This recipe is excellent for beginners. It has just three steps and is ready to serve in under 30 minutes.
What is Italy's most popular rice dish?
Risotto is the most popular rice dish in Italy. This creamy and flavorful rice dish has become very popular with Italians and people all over the world.
As you can see, the type of rice you choose solely depends on what you want to create. Whether you are making risotto, rice stuffed tomatoes, rice casserole, or a simple orzo rice pilaf, choose a recipe on this list and create something delicious tonight!
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