This recipe for Homemade Rice Pilaf can be prepared in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop in about 30 minutes.
What to Serve with Rice Pilaf
Homemade Rice Pilaf recipe is one of our favorite side dishes. This super delicious and easy rice dish pairs well with just about any protein. We especially like it will seafood, chicken, and pork.
We enjoy it with my Pork Chops with Garlic White Wine Sauce or when we cook a Roasted Whole Chicken.
Recipe Ingredients
Ingredients and Variations
By changing the type of broth and seasonings used in rice pilaf, you can adapt this easy rice pilaf recipe to go with the main dish of your choice.
- Plain White Rice - I have used Jasmine rice, long-grain white rice, and basmati rice. Today I am using Jasmine. Rinse the rice well and let drain until ready to use.
- Olive Oil or Butter - You can use one or the other or a combination of both if you prefer
- Spaghetti or Angel Hair Pasta - Break the pasta into small pieces, about 1 to 2 inches long. If you use angel hair, keep a close eye on it while sauteing. Once it starts to brown, it will darken quickly. I often use spaghetti pasta since I usually have it on hand.
- Garlic 'n Herb Seasoning - I like McCormick's Garlic 'n Herb seasoning in this recipe. You can use garlic powder mixed with a bit of Italian seasoning if you prefer. (1 teaspoon each of garlic and Italian seasoning works well.) Or, for a bold beef side dish, try Montreal Steak Seasoning.
- Salt - Just a little for added flavor.
- Chicken Broth - I almost always have chicken broth in the cabinet. You can also substitute beef or vegetable broth. If you need to use plain water, you will want to adjust the seasoning a little, so the flavor isn't too bland.
- Fresh Parsley - I highly recommend you use fresh parsley if you can. It adds a nice touch to rice pilaf. Dried parsley may be used in its place.
How to make Rice Pilaf at home
Below, I will show you how I make this Homemade Rice Pilaf in the Instant Pot and on a stove top. The photos are taken using an Instant Pot.
In the Instant Pot
- In the Instant Pot, set the machine to saute. Add the olive oil and / or the butter and stir until the butter has melted. Next, add the pasta and stir.
- Now add the seasoning and rice. Continue to cook and stir for about 30 seconds to one minute. The pasta will turn a nice golden brown. Remember, the smaller the pasta, the quicker it will brown.
- Add the broth. Put the lid on tightly and set it to seal. Switch the setting on the machine to Pressure Cook (high) and cook for 3 minutes. Let natural release for 10 minutes.
On the Stovetop
- On the stovetop, heat a saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the olive oil and or the butter. Add the pasta and stir until the pasta starts to turn a light golden brown.
- As the pasta is browning, add the seasoning and the cup of rice and continue to stir for 30 seconds to one minute. The flavor of the seasonings will be released by heating it this way. Just be cautious that the pasta doesn't get too brown. Angel hair pasta will brown pretty quickly.
- Add the broth and bring to a boil. Cover with the lid, reduce heat and simmer for 15 - 25 minutes (cooking time depends on the type of rice, check your package directions)
Add the fresh chopped parsley and fluff with a fork when the rice is done. Serve.
Other Rice Recipes You Might Like
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Recipe FAQ's
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in a covered container. Re-heat in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.
Rice pilaf is a rice and pasta dish that is cooked in broth with seasonings. Vegetables and meat can also be added to a rice pilaf.
I have included directions for cooking rice pilaf in the Instant Pot and on the stovetop. The best way to cook it is really personal preference. My favorite way is on the stove top.
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Printable Recipe
Simple Homemade Rice Pilaf
Equipment
- Instant Pot (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or butter
- ⅓ cup Spaghetti broken into 1 - 2 inch pieces
- 1 cup Plain White Rice rinsed and drained
- 2 teaspoons Garlic 'n Herb Seasoning *or other seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 ½ cups Chicken Broth
- 2 tablespoons Parsley fresh, chopped
Instructions
For Instant Pot
- Set the machine to saute.
- Add the olive oil and/or the butter. Add the pasta and stir until the pasta starts to turn a light golden brown.1 tablespoon Olive Oil, ⅓ cup Spaghetti
- As the pasta is browning, add the seasoning and the rice and continue to stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute.1 cup Plain White Rice, 2 teaspoons Garlic 'n Herb Seasoning, ½ teaspoon Salt
- Add the broth. Put the lid on the Instant Pot tightly and set to seal. Switch the setting on the machine to Pressure Cook (high) and cook for 3 minutes. (4 minutes for softer rice.) Let natural release for 10 minutes.1 ½ cups Chicken Broth
- When the rice is ready, add the chopped parsley and fluff with a fork. Serve.2 tablespoons Parsley
Stovetop
- Heat a saucepan over medium to medium-high heat.
- Add the olive oil and/or the butter. Add the pasta and stir until the pasta starts to turn a light golden brown.⅓ cup Spaghetti
- As the pasta is browning, add the seasoning and the rice and continue to stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute.1 cup Plain White Rice, 2 teaspoons Garlic 'n Herb Seasoning, ½ teaspoon Salt
- Add the broth and bring to a boil. Cover with the lid, reduce heat and simmer for 15 - 25 minutes (cooking time depends on the type of rice)1 ½ cups Chicken Broth
- When the rice is cooked thoroughly add the chopped parsley and fluff with a fork.2 tablespoons Parsley
- Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted in November 2021.
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