Italian Inspired Microwave Rice

Elevate your weeknight meals with this easy and flavorful Italian Inspired Microwave Rice recipe! Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish combines fluffy, perfectly cooked rice with aromatic Italian herbs like oregano and basil, a touch of garlic powder, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat. A drizzle of olive oil enhances its richness, while grated Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes deliver bursts of savory and tangy flavors. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect as a quick standalone meal or a versatile side dish, this microwave-friendly recipe proves that fast cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup Uncooked white rice (long-grain or basmati)
• 2 cups Water
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine rinsed rice, water, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and salt.

Step 3

Stir well to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 4

Cover the bowl tightly with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, ensuring there is a small vent for steam to escape.

Step 5

Microwave on high for 10 minutes. If the rice still has water remaining, microwave in 1-minute increments until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is cooked through.

Step 6

Once done, let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to allow it to steam and become fluffy.

Step 7

Stir the cooked rice and mix in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Step 8

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Step 9

Enjoy your Italian-inspired microwave rice as a quick meal or a stylish side dish!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(737.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	988.4

Total Fat 21.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 20mg	0%
Sodium 1663.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 171.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.7g	0%
Total Sugars 5.3g
Protein 24.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 342.3mg	0%
Iron 4.5mg	0%
Potassium 715.0mg	0%

*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: 20.0%

Protein: 10.0%

Carbs: 70.0%