This delicious rice pilaf with orzo is an easy homemade recipe with flavorful wholesome ingredients. The combination of toasted white rice and orzo pasta with softened onion, chicken stock, and herbs is the perfect side dish for easy dinners.
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Why Rice Pilaf is better from scratch
When I was younger and didn't know any better, I bought the boxed version of rice pilaf from the grocery store all of the time. Now that I am older and wiser, I very much prefer making it from scratch so I can avoid the msg and preservatives that come in the box. It's such an easy side dish and the flavor is way better when we pick the spices, fresh herbs, and chicken stock ourselves.
Best Rice and Pasta for Homemade Rice Pilaf
A simple long grain like jasmine rice or basmati rice are the best options for this recipe. They have the same cooking time as the orzo, making them the ideal option. Brown rice and shorter rice grains will not be as fluffy and take much longer to cook.
Simple Rice Pilaf Ingredients
Can I get a slow clap for simple pantry ingredients that are inexpensive? These staples are great because if you don't have a dinner plan in mind, head to the pantry.
- ¾ cup long grain white rice
- ½ cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 ½ cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
- small yellow onion minced (about ¾ cup)
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- salt and pepper to taste
Kitchen Supplies for this recipe
You really don't need much to make this classic rice pilaf. Its such a simple and easy recipe you only need the basics.
- Cutting board and knife
- Medium or Large Pot with a lid- you know you're an adult when you have a favorite pot. I love this one.
How to Make Rice Pilaf Step by Step
Chop, heat, stir, and eat. You can have this side dish in less than 20 minutes.
- Prepare and measure your simple ingredients. Mince the yellow onion.
- Heat a medium pot on the stove over medium-high heat. Once the pot is hot, add the olive oil.
- Next add the onion and dried spices. Stir them until they become fragrant and the onions soften.
- Now add the orzo pasta and toast it for 2 minutes until its golden brown.
- Lastly, add the rice and chicken stock to the pot. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to medium low. Cook for 10-12 minutes.
- After the rice pilaf has cooked, remove from the heat and let the rice pilaf rest for at least 5 minutes. Add the unsalted butter and stir well for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
- To serve your perfect side dish, use a fork to fluff it up and transfer to a serving bowl.
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Recipe Modifications and Optional Add-Ins
Are you gluten free? Make it with gluten free orzo and no other modifications needed.
Parmesan Cheese is a great option if you want that cheesy nutty flavor.
Good garnishes include fresh parsley or green onions. I feel like garnishes look fancy.
Add some sliced earthy mushrooms like baby portobellos to the toasted orzo for extra depth of flavor.
Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to make this easy orzo pilaf vegetarian.
Toasted pine nuts makes this versatile side dish even more special.
Great Main Dishes to Serve with Rice Pilaf
Bourbon glazed pork chops is a favorite main dish that pairs perfectly.
Whole Smoked Chicken- chicken and rice is a classic combination that will never get old. A nice simple side dish with a show stopping main course makes a great Sunday dinner.
Chicken Kabobs or Steak Kabobs are a great way to make easy weeknight dinners.
Saving and Reheating Instructions
Another reason to love this recipe- the leftovers heat up great. Transfer leftover rice pilaf to an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat it in the microwave for one minute, stir, and heat for an additional 30-60 seconds.
Orzo Rice Pilaf Recipe Card
Easy Rice Pilaf with Orzo Pasta
Equipment
- medium sauce pan or dutch oven
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- ¾ cup long grain white rice
- ½ cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 ½ cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
- 1 small yellow onion minced
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter optional
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and measure your simple ingredients. Mince the yellow onion.
- Heat a medium pot on the stove over medium-high heat. Once the pot is hot, add the olive oil.
- Next add the onion and dried spices. Stir them until they become fragrant and the onion softens.
- Now, add the orzo pasta and toast it for 2 minutes until it's golden brown.
- Lastly, add the rice and chicken stock to the pot. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to medium low. Cook for 12 minutes.
- After the rice pilaf has cooked, remove from the heat and let the rice rest for at least 5 minutes. Add a tablespoon of butter if desired and stir well.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe? Tag me on Instagram @fancy_apron 🙂 or leave a comment below.
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