This Simple Homemade Rice Pilaf recipe is one of our favorite side dishes. Not only does it pair well with chicken, beef, or pork for dinner, but any leftovers are so versatile. I am including directions for making this recipe on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot.
Mix with sausage and egg for a delicious breakfast, or make simple fried rice for lunch. You can easily adjust the flavors of this recipe too by changing the seasoning and broth used.
This rice pilaf dish is simple enough to prepare any day of the week, even those busy weeknights when cooking isn't always something we have a lot of time to do. But, this recipe is also a great addition to a holiday meal.
Rice pilaf is one of my husband's favorite side dishes. We enjoy it with my Pork Chops with Garlic White Wine Sauce or when we cook a Roasted Whole Chicken.
Ingredients
Below is a list of the ingredients needed and some tips and suggestions for this easy rice pilaf recipe.
- 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 the other or 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.
- 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.)
- 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.
See the recipe card below for quantities and complete recipe directions.
Instructions
Below, I will show you how I make this Simple Homemade Rice Pilaf. I will guide you through both stovetop and Instant Pot directions. The photos are taken using an Instant Pot.
If you are cooking the rice pilaf 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.
If you are using the Instant Pot, set the machine to saute and follow the directions listed above.
For both the stovetop and Instant Pot, as the pasta is browning, add the seasoning and the cup of rice and continue to stir for 30 seconds to 1 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.
Stovetop - 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)
Instant Pot - 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.
Add the fresh chopped parsley and fluff with a fork when the rice is done. Serve.
Variations
Instead of chicken broth, try beef or vegetable broth. I love McCormick's Garlic 'n Herb for a good, all-around seasoning blend. But try something different. There are a lot of great seasoning blends on the market today. Or, if you prefer, use your favorite garlic powder.
For this recipe, I have set the Instant Pot to cook for 3 minutes on high. If you like rice a little bit softer, you can cook the rice for 4 minutes before using the natural release.
Other recipes you might like
Storage
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in a covered container. Re-heat in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.
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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.
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