Herb Roasted Veggie Rice Skillet

Name: Herb Roasted Veggie Rice Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked rice (brown or white); 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Fresh Healthy Meals Ideas

I absolutely love making my Herb Roasted Veggie Rice Skillet on busy weeknights. This dish comes together quickly, is packed with flavor, and offers a great way to use up leftover vegetables. The aromatic herbs elevate the simple rice and veggie combination, turning it into a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again. Plus, it's a versatile dish, allowing me to switch up the veggies based on what's in season or what I have on hand, making it a staple in my kitchen.

Created by

Cecilia Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-19T21:41:34.181Z

When I first tried this Herb Roasted Veggie Rice Skillet, I was amazed at how the simple combination of herbs and roasted vegetables created such depth of flavor. I typically use a mix of seasonal veggies, which means I never get bored with this dish. Cooking the rice in vegetable broth adds a lovely savoriness that complements the freshness of the herbs perfectly.

One tip I learned is to let the roasted veggies cool slightly before adding them to the rice. This way, they retain their texture and provide a delightful crunch compared to the softers grains. Trust me, this dish is a winner for both comfort and convenience, and it’s sure to become a favorite!

You'll Love This Recipe Because
It's packed with colorful, nutritious vegetables
The blend of fresh herbs brings the dish to life
It's an easy one-pan meal perfect for busy nights

Understanding the Rice

The choice between brown and white rice can significantly affect both the flavor and texture of your Herb Roasted Veggie Rice Skillet. Brown rice offers a nutty taste and chewy texture, while white rice provides a softer and fluffier finish. I often prefer brown rice for its added fiber and nutrients, but either will work beautifully for this recipe. Just remember that cooking times differ, so adjust accordingly: brown rice typically requires about 10 more minutes of cooking time.

It's essential to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which can lead to a gummy texture. Rinse it under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This step ensures fluffy grains that separate nicely once cooked, enhancing the overall mouthfeel of your dish.

Roasting Vegetables to Perfection

Roasting the vegetables is a pivotal step that adds depth and brings out their natural sweetness. Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) allows for optimal caramelization, so don’t skip this step. Keep an eye on your veggies as they roast; I find that around 20 minutes is perfect for achieving tender-crisp textures. If you prefer a softer texture, you can leave them in for an additional 5 minutes—just watch for any signs of browning to avoid burning.

The choice of vegetables can easily be tailored to your preferences or what you have available. Carrots, asparagus, or even sweet potatoes can be fabulous substitutes for the zucchini or broccoli. Just be mindful of the cooking times for denser vegetables that may require longer roasting, or cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.

Serving and Storage Tips

This Herb Roasted Veggie Rice Skillet can be served warm right from the pan, making it a fantastic weeknight meal. However, it also keeps wonderfully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. If you prepare a larger batch, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's aroma and flavor profile. You can experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro to match your taste preferences. Pairing with a protein, such as grilled chicken or chickpeas, elevates the meal, making it hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this healthy and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked rice (brown or white)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup broccoli florets
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Make sure all your veggies are chopped and ready to go for a smooth cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Herb Roasted Veggie Rice Skillet.

Prepare the Rice

In a medium pot, combine the rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, onion, and garlic with olive oil, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes until tender.

Combine and Serve

Once the rice and veggies are done, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your healthy and hearty Herb Roasted Veggie Rice Skillet!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add in your favorite protein like chickpeas or grilled chicken for an extra boost of nutrition.

Ingredient Adjustments

If you’re looking to make this dish vegan, it’s already fully compliant—simply ensure that no non-vegan broth is used. Additionally, you can adjust the herbs to suit your palate; swapping in fresh herbs instead of dried can create an aromatic lift. If you opt to use fresh herbs, a general rule is to triple the amount, since fresh herbs are less concentrated.

For those watching their sodium intake, low-sodium vegetable broth is widely available and is a smart substitution that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. You can also consider making your own broth at home using vegetable scraps—it’s a wonderful way to use leftovers and personalize the flavor.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, perfect for larger gatherings or meal prepping for the week. Simply double the ingredient amounts, but be cautious when adjusting the cooking times for the rice. A larger pot may require a few extra minutes of simmering, so always check for doneness by tasting. If you're cooking for a crowd, consider roasting the vegetables in batches to ensure they don’t overcrowd on the baking sheet—this ensures even roasting.

When scaling up, keep in mind the cooking vessels you’re using. If you're working with a large skillet or pan, you may be able to prepare everything in one go. Otherwise, using two separate pans for the vegetables can help manage space in the oven and ensure every vegetable gets that lovely caramelized flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use any type of rice?

Yes, you can use brown, white, or even jasmine rice. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

→ What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs can be used as substitutes, but fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with whatever veggies you have on hand.

→ How can I make this a complete meal?

Add a protein like beans, tofu, or grilled chicken to make this a more balanced dish.