Harvest Tomato-Basil Rice with Pancetta

Sep 5, 2025
by Abby Powlowski
- 5.0 / 5 ( 1 Ratings)
1 Likes

PREP TIME

10 mins
COOK TIME

15 mins
TOTAL TIME

25 mins
SERVING

4 People
VIEWS

3

A symphony of flavors awaits in this vibrant dish! Crispy pancetta dances with tender zucchini and onion, embraced by a luscious tomato-basil infused rice. Hearty and satisfying, it's a perfect weeknight indulgence.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

1 teaspoon olive oil

0.25 pound pancetta, diced

1 small onion, diced

1 zucchini, diced

1 (14.5 ounce) can no salt-added diced tomatoes, drained, juice reserved

Water, as needed

1 (5.5 ounce) package Rice Pilaf

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Nutrition

Carbohydrate

37 g
Cholesterol

12 mg
Fiber

3 g
Protein

9 g
Saturated Fat

2 g
Sodium

666 mg
Sugar

4 g
Fat

7 g
Unsaturated Fat

0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pancetta and onion; cook, stirring frequently, until pancetta is crisp and onions are golden brown (about 4 minutes).

02

Step

Add zucchini and cook until slightly softened (about 3 minutes). Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and heat through (about 1 minute). Transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.

03

Step

In a measuring cup, combine the reserved tomato juice with enough water to make 2 cups of liquid.

04

Step

Return the skillet to the stove and add the tomato juice-water mixture. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the Rice Pilaf. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender (about 6 minutes).

05

Step

Gently stir in the pancetta, zucchini, onion, and tomato mixture. Heat through (about 1-2 minutes).

06

Step

Sprinkle with fresh basil and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese before serving.

For a vegetarian option, omit the pancetta and add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano is highly recommended for its superior flavor.
Adjust the amount of basil to your preference. A chiffonade cut adds a touch of elegance.

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Abby Powlowski

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.