Pesto Rice with Lemon

Pesto Rice is a bright and easy side dish that is full of flavor and ready in less than 20 minutes. The perfect partner to so many dinners.

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Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 2

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 17

Servings: servings

Calories: 155kcal

Author: Jennifer Stewart

On the stove top, in a pot with a tight fitting lid, add the rice, butter, and garlic.
Over medium heat, melt the butter and toast the rice, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes or until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth and stir to combine.
Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to simmer.
Cover tightly and cook for 12-15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and pesto to the cooked rice.
Stir to combine and fluff.
Serve warm!

Toasting the rice before add the chicken broth gives the final dish so much more flavor.

You can use water to make the rice but chicken broth is best.

Use fresh lemon juice and lemon zest if at all possible. It really enhances the flavor.

Always add the pesto last as it can turn brown with the heat after a little time.

Garnish the finished pesto rice with toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, or more lemon zest.