Simple Rice Pilaf

Simple rice pilaf that’s made with rice, orzo, seasonings, and broth & it only takes 30 minutes to make. This is a terrific side dish for chicken, pork, fish, or steak.

My daughter and I love potatoes as a side dish starch but my son loves white rice with soy sauce. I decided to switch up our normal rice recently and tried an easy rice pilaf recipe I found on Life Made Simple. This rice pilaf turned out perfectly cooked, fluffy, and really tasty. I loved that this simple side dish tastes great but also lets the main dish shine and it’s SO much better than boxed versions.

Simple Rice Pilaf

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken broth **Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of onion powder, to taste
• Pinch of paprika, to taste
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup orzo **You can also use vermicelli
• ¾ cup long-grain rice, rinsed per package instructions **You can also use basmati or jasmine rice
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Simple Rice Pilaf

Heat the broth, butter, and seasonings in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and bring to a simmer. Side Note: You can also heat them up in the microwave if you prefer. 

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the orzo. Cook, stirring often, for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Side Note: Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. 

Add the rinsed rice and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes. Add the hot broth mixture to the rice & orzo then bring to a boil. Stir to combine then cover and reduce heat to low and cook undisturbed for 20 minutes.

Remove from the heat and allow to sit undisturbed (don’t remove the lid!) for 5  minutes. Remove the lid and add the parsley and fluff with a fork. Pour into a serving bowl and serve immediately. Enjoy.