15 Easy Italian Brown Rice Recipes to Try This Week

Brown rice is a nutritious, fiber-rich alternative to white rice that pairs beautifully with the flavors of Italian cuisine.

From hearty risottos and vegetable-packed pilafs to comforting casseroles and flavorful side dishes, Italian brown rice recipes offer both health and taste.

Brown rice absorbs sauces and herbs wonderfully, making it ideal for dishes infused with garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh herbs.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these recipes are wholesome, satisfying, and full of Italian flair.

In this article, we’ve curated 15 Italian brown rice recipes that are easy to prepare, flavorful, and perfect for bringing the taste of Italy to your kitchen.

15 Easy Italian Brown Rice Recipes to Try This Week

Brown rice is a versatile, healthy ingredient that complements the rich flavors of Italian cuisine.

These 15 Italian brown rice recipes offer a variety of options, from hearty mains and side dishes to comforting risottos and vegetable-packed meals.

Using fresh herbs, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables enhances the flavor and texture of each dish, making them both satisfying and nutritious.

Experiment with different combinations of ingredients, seasonings, and proteins to customize each recipe to your taste.

With these recipes, you can enjoy wholesome Italian meals that are flavorful, balanced, and perfect for any occasion.

Italian Brown Rice and Vegetable Risotto

This risotto is creamy, flavorful, and packed with fresh Italian vegetables.

Brown rice provides a nutty texture while absorbing the rich flavors of garlic, onion, and vegetable broth.

Zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes add color and sweetness, and Parmesan cheese enriches the dish.

Perfect for a hearty vegetarian main or side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pan, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
• Add brown rice and toast for 2 minutes.
• Gradually add vegetable broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently until rice is tender and creamy.
• Add zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes midway through cooking.
• Stir in Parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
• Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

This risotto is creamy, colorful, and hearty.

Brown rice adds nutty texture and nutrition.

Vegetables provide freshness and flavor.

Parmesan enriches the dish with savory depth.

A perfect Italian-inspired meal for any occasion.

Italian Brown Rice Salad with Pesto

This salad is refreshing, vibrant, and full of Italian flavor.

Brown rice is tossed with homemade basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, olives, and arugula.

A light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan enhance the flavor.

Ideal for a nutritious lunch or a side dish for dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cup arugula
• 3 tbsp basil pesto
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook brown rice according to package instructions and let cool.
• In a large bowl, toss rice with pesto, cherry tomatoes, olives, and arugula.
• Drizzle with olive oil and mix well.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature.

This salad is fresh, colorful, and flavorful.

Brown rice provides wholesome texture and nutrition.

Pesto delivers aromatic, herbaceous taste.

Tomatoes and olives add sweetness and saltiness.

Perfect for a light, healthy Italian-inspired lunch.

Italian Brown Rice and Sausage Casserole

This casserole is hearty, comforting, and packed with Italian flavors.

Brown rice is baked with Italian sausage, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions.

Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs add richness and depth of flavor.

Ideal for a family dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook sausage in olive oil until browned, then set aside.
• Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
• Mix cooked rice, sausage, vegetables, tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper in a baking dish.
• Sprinkle Parmesan on top and bake 20–25 minutes until heated through and golden.
• Serve warm.

This casserole is hearty, savory, and satisfying.

Brown rice adds nutty texture and fiber.

Sausage provides rich, savory flavor.

Parmesan enhances the cheesy, indulgent taste.

Perfect for a comforting Italian dinner.

Italian Brown Rice Stuffed Peppers

This dish is colorful, flavorful, and nutritious.

Bell peppers are stuffed with a mixture of cooked brown rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and Italian herbs.

Baking them until tender allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Ideal for a healthy main course or a vegetarian dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops removed and seeds discarded
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian herbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
• Mix in cooked rice, tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper.
• Stuff bell peppers with the rice mixture.
• Place in a baking dish and sprinkle Parmesan on top.
• Bake 25–30 minutes until peppers are tender.

This dish is colorful, hearty, and savory.

Brown rice adds fiber and nutty flavor.

Bell peppers provide sweetness and vibrant color.

Parmesan adds richness and depth.

A healthy, Italian-inspired main course for any meal.

Italian Brown Rice and Mushroom Risotto

This risotto is creamy, earthy, and full of Italian flavor.

Brown rice is slowly cooked with mushrooms, garlic, onions, vegetable broth, and white wine.

A touch of Parmesan and fresh parsley enhances richness and aroma.

Perfect for a comforting vegetarian main or an elegant side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until tender.
• Add brown rice and stir to coat with oil.
• Pour in white wine and cook until absorbed.
• Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring constantly until rice is tender and creamy.
• Stir in Parmesan and parsley, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

This risotto is creamy, earthy, and satisfying.

Mushrooms provide depth and richness.

Brown rice adds texture and fiber.

Parmesan and parsley enhance flavor and aroma.

Perfect as a main course or elegant Italian side.

Italian Brown Rice and Spinach Soup

This soup is hearty, nutritious, and full of Italian flavors.

Brown rice, fresh spinach, garlic, and onion simmer in a rich vegetable broth.

Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs add depth and aroma.

Ideal for a warming lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
• Add brown rice and stir to coat.
• Pour in vegetable broth and Italian herbs, bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer 35–40 minutes until rice is tender.
• Stir in spinach and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.
• Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan and season with salt and pepper.

This soup is hearty, nutritious, and flavorful.

Brown rice adds a nutty texture and fiber.

Spinach provides freshness and color.

Parmesan enriches the taste.

Perfect for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.

Italian Brown Rice and Tomato Bake

This bake is savory, comforting, and full of Italian aromas.

Brown rice is combined with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and olive oil, then baked until golden.

Fresh basil and Parmesan enhance the flavor and aroma.

Perfect as a main dish or side.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 5 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
• Mix in cooked brown rice and diced tomatoes, season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with Parmesan.
• Bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
• Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

This bake is savory, colorful, and aromatic.

Brown rice adds texture and substance.

Tomatoes provide natural sweetness and acidity.

Parmesan creates a rich, cheesy finish.

A comforting Italian dish suitable for any meal.

Italian Brown Rice and Roasted Vegetable Medley

This dish is hearty, healthy, and bursting with Italian flavors.

Brown rice is combined with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, tossed in olive oil and Italian herbs.

Parmesan cheese adds richness while fresh parsley brightens the flavor.

Ideal as a side dish or vegetarian main.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup eggplant, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian herbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss zucchini, bell pepper, and eggplant with olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
• Roast vegetables for 20–25 minutes until tender.
• Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
• Mix roasted vegetables with cooked rice, sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.
• Serve warm.

This medley is colorful, hearty, and nutritious.

Brown rice adds nutty texture and fiber.

Roasted vegetables provide sweetness and depth.

Parmesan and herbs enhance flavor.

Perfect as a side dish or vegetarian main.

Italian Brown Rice and Chicken Skillet

This skillet meal is savory, hearty, and easy to prepare.

Brown rice is cooked with sautéed chicken, garlic, onions, and Italian herbs for a one-pan meal.

Cherry tomatoes and spinach add freshness and color.

Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet, cook chicken until browned.
• Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
• Stir in brown rice, cherry tomatoes, and Italian herbs.
• Add 2 cups water or broth, cover, and simmer 35–40 minutes until rice is tender.
• Stir in spinach and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.
• Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

This skillet meal is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.

Brown rice adds nutty texture and fiber.

Chicken provides protein and richness.

Vegetables add color, flavor, and freshness.

Perfect for a balanced, Italian-inspired weeknight dinner.

Italian Brown Rice and Lentil Salad

This salad is nutritious, light, and full of Italian flavors.

Brown rice and cooked lentils are tossed with cherry tomatoes, olives, arugula, and a lemon-olive oil dressing.

Parmesan and fresh basil add depth and aroma.

Ideal for a healthy lunch or side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cup arugula
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 5 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook brown rice and lentils according to package instructions and let cool.
• In a large bowl, combine rice, lentils, cherry tomatoes, olives, and arugula.
• Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, toss to combine.
• Sprinkle Parmesan and chopped basil on top, season with salt and pepper.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature.

This salad is light, nutritious, and flavorful.

Brown rice and lentils provide texture, fiber, and protein.

Vegetables add freshness and color.

Parmesan and basil enhance the Italian flavor.

Perfect for a healthy lunch or side dish

Italian Brown Rice and Eggplant Bake

This bake is savory, hearty, and full of Italian flavor.

Brown rice is combined with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, then baked with olive oil and Parmesan.

Fresh basil adds aroma and enhances the Mediterranean taste.

Perfect for a vegetarian main or side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 cup diced eggplant
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 5 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Roast eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper for 15 minutes.
• Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
• Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, then mix with rice, roasted eggplant, and tomatoes.
• Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle Parmesan on top, and bake 20 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

This bake is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.

Brown rice adds nutty texture and nutrition.

Eggplant provides sweetness and depth.

Parmesan enriches the dish with savory flavor.

Perfect for a comforting Italian meal.

Italian Brown Rice and Shrimp Skillet

This skillet is flavorful, protein-packed, and easy to make.

Brown rice is cooked with garlic, onions, cherry tomatoes, and Italian herbs, then topped with sautéed shrimp.

Olive oil and a squeeze of lemon enhance the taste.

Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian herbs
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
• Add cherry tomatoes and Italian herbs, cook 3–4 minutes.
• Stir in cooked rice and mix well.
• In a separate pan, sauté shrimp until pink and cooked through.
• Top rice mixture with shrimp, drizzle with lemon juice, and serve.

This skillet is flavorful, light, and satisfying.

Brown rice provides texture and fiber.

Shrimp adds protein and a delicate flavor.

Tomatoes and herbs enhance the Italian taste.

Perfect for a quick, healthy dinner.

Italian Brown Rice and Roasted Chicken Bowl

This bowl is hearty, nutritious, and full of Italian flavor.

Brown rice is combined with roasted chicken, sautéed celery, and bell peppers, then finished with olive oil and fresh herbs.

Parmesan adds a savory touch.

Perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 chicken breasts, roasted and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian herbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
• Sauté celery and bell pepper in olive oil until tender.
• Mix rice with sautéed vegetables and Italian herbs.
• Slice roasted chicken and place on top of rice mixture.
• Sprinkle Parmesan and season with salt and pepper before serving.

This bowl is hearty, nutritious, and satisfying.

Brown rice adds fiber and a nutty flavor.

Roasted chicken provides protein and richness.

Vegetables enhance color, texture, and taste.

Perfect for a balanced Italian-inspired meal.

Italian Brown Rice and Zucchini Patties

These patties are savory, crispy, and flavorful.

Brown rice, grated zucchini, garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs are mixed and pan-fried until golden.

They make a perfect appetizer, side dish, or vegetarian main.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 zucchini, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp Italian herbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Grate zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture.
• In a bowl, combine rice, zucchini, garlic, Parmesan, herbs, and egg.
• Form mixture into small patties.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
• Serve warm as a snack, side dish, or main.

These patties are crispy, savory, and satisfying.

Brown rice adds texture and fiber.

Zucchini provides moisture and freshness.

Parmesan and herbs enrich the flavor.

Perfect as an appetizer, side, or vegetarian main.

Italian Brown Rice and Roasted Vegetable Risotto

This risotto is creamy, flavorful, and full of Italian charm.

Brown rice is slowly cooked with roasted vegetables, garlic, onions, and vegetable broth.

Parmesan and fresh parsley add richness and color.

Ideal for a comforting vegetarian meal or side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 cup roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper, eggplant)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
• Add brown rice and stir to coat with oil.
• Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring constantly until rice is tender and creamy.
• Stir in roasted vegetables, Parmesan, and parsley.
• Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

This risotto is creamy, hearty, and flavorful.

Brown rice provides texture and nuttiness.

Roasted vegetables add sweetness and color.

Parmesan enriches the dish with savory depth.

Perfect as a main course or elegant side dish.