This Instant Pot Rice Pilaf with Orzo is a perfect side dish and so easy to make. The combination of rice, orzo, onions, garlic, and parsley brings plain old rice to a new level.
What goes well with rice pilaf? Try the pilaf with our Mushroom Asiago Chicken, Air Fryer Roast Chicken, or 4-Ingredient Oven Baked Pork Chops. Or if you want another dish try this Wild Rice Recipe it is perfect for fall and holiday dishes.
What is Rice Pilaf with Orzo?
Rice pilaf is simply rice with additions like vegetables, meats, nuts, or fruit. The addition of orzo makes this side dish even more fun!! Orzo pasta is a rice-shaped pasta that works well with rice and cooks up nicely together.
Our Rice Pilaf is a flavorful dish that combines rice with pasta, herbs, and savory seasoning. The rice and pasta are typically sautéed in butter or oil before the broth is added, which helps to give the dish a rich and nutty flavor. The broth, onions, and spices add depth and complexity to the dish. Rice pilaf can be served as a side dish or as the main course and is often paired with meats, vegetables, and stews.
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Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
What is in Rice Pilaf with Orzo?
Making this homemade rice pilaf recipe is very easy, especially using the instant pot. The ingredients are very simple and can be found in any grocery store.
Why do I need to rinse the rice?
It is always important to rinse your rice before cooking, as it helps to remove any pesticides, chemicals, or dirt that may still be on the rice. But it is especially important to rinse your rice when making rice pilaf, as it removes some of the starch, and that keeps the grains from adhering to each other.
Ingredients
Butter – Adds flavor and richness to the dish.
Finely diced onion – White or yellow onions are best for this recipe.
Garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic adds the most flavor, but 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used instead.
Orzo or vermicelli – Orzo is a type of pasta that is shaped similarly to rice. You can use any short pasta, like vermicelli or acini de pepe, as a substitute for orzo. Using vermicelli will make the dish reminiscent of Rice-A-Roni, which is the boxed version of this dish.
Long grain white rice, rinsed – Use long grain Basmati or Jasmine rice. Either white or brown rice can be used, but the cook times will be different for each.
Low-sodium chicken stock or vegetable broth – Using broth instead of water adds a savory flavor to the pilaf. I prefer chicken broth, but you can use vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian side dish.
Kosher salt – I like to use large-grain salt for this dish, but you can reduce the amount and use table salt if you prefer.
Black pepper – Freshly ground is always the best.
Fresh parsley chopped – Fresh herbs always add freshness and flavor to the finished dish.
How to Make Rice Pilaf with Orzo
Turn on the SAUTE function of your Instant Pot. Melt the butter in the Instant Pot pan, then add the minced garlic and diced onion and cook. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft.
Add the orzo (or vermicelli) and the rice. Sauté an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the orzo is starting to turn golden brown.
Add the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and seal the valve closed.
Cook on HIGH pressure for 3 minutes for white rice or 15 minutes for brown rice. Allow the steam to release naturally for 10 minutes, then release the valve to dispense any remaining pressure.
Remove the lid. Stir the parsley into the rice and fluff with a fork. Serve immediately.
How do I make rice pilaf on the stove?
To make rice pilaf on the stovetop, follow steps 1-2 of the recipe directions, but instead of sauteing in your Instant Pot, use a medium saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Then add the broth, salt, and pepper, cover the pan with a lid, and reduce to low heat. Cook for 15 minutes for white rice or 45 minutes for brown rice. Remove the pan from the stove and let the rice sit for 10 minutes before removing the lid and fluffing.
Recipe Pro Tips!
How do I store leftover Instant Pot Rice Pilaf?
Leftover rice pilaf can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.
Why is my rice mushy?
It is important to carefully measure all of your ingredients when cooking rice. If you add too much broth, your rice will end up mushy.
Why is my rice crunchy or burnt?
Similar to what causes mushy rice, the wrong measurements can result in crunchy or burnt rice. If you use too much rice or not enough broth, your rice will not have the moisture it needs to be tender.
WANT MORE RICE DISHES?
I find plain old rice as a side boring, but these recipes are anything but!!
Instant Pot Rice Pilaf with Orzo
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup orzo or vermicelli
- 1 ½ cups long grain rice rinsed
- 2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
Instructions
- Turn on the SAUTE function of your Instant Pot. Melt the butter in the Instant Pot pan, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft.
- Add the orzo (or vermicelli) and the rice. Sauté an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the orzo is starting to turn golden brown.
- Add the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and seal the valve closed.
- Cook on HIGH pressure for 3 minutes for white rice or 15 minutes for brown rice. Allow the steam to release naturally for 10 minutes, then release the valve to dispense any remaining pressure.
- Remove the lid. Stir the parsley into the rice and serve immediately.
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