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Friday, January 16, 2026

Selfmade Rice Pilaf (Wholesome Rice-a-Roni)


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This selfmade rice pilaf is a straightforward weeknight facet dish that’s toasty, buttery, and really easy to make! It’s a more healthy model of Rice-a-Roni and Close to East pilaf, made with brown rice, angel hair pasta, and some pantry staples.

Bowl of rice pilaf with fork.

Why It’s Price Making Your Personal Rice Pilaf

Gina @ Skinnytaste.com

Rice pilaf will not be solely a dish but additionally a cooking approach. The primary distinction between rice and rice pilaf is that the rice in pilaf is first sautéed earlier than including liquid. Sautéing rice provides it a nuttier, toasted taste and a coating that makes cooked rice much less sticky.

  • Customizable flavors: You possibly can add in several seasonings to make Italian, Mexican, or Indian variations. You can even make vegetable rice pilaf by throwing in your favourite veggies or add in your favourite protein to make this a one-dish meal. The choices are countless!
  • More healthy than store-bought: Utilizing entire grain pasta and brown rice gives extra dietary profit than white rice and common pasta and canned hen broth is a cleaner ingredient than the flavour packets that sometimes come within the field.
  • Fast and straightforward: Making your personal rice pilaf doesn’t take rather more time than the boxed combine! It goes from stovetop to desk in about 20 minutes with virtually no prep work.
  • Funds-friendly: Cheap elements and pantry staples add as much as massive taste on this recipe.
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Substances You’ll Want

Under are the elements on this rice pilaf. See the recipe card above for the precise measurements.

  • Butter provides richness and helps toast the pasta. Olive oil works effectively for a dairy-free possibility.
  • Angel hair spaghetti is damaged into small items to imitate the basic Rice-a-Roni texture. I exploit entire wheat pasta, however gluten-free additionally works.
  • Immediate brown rice cooks rapidly and provides a nutty taste.
  • Rooster broth provides extra taste than water alone. Or use water and hen bouillon.
  • Parsley, for an optionally available garnish.

The best way to Make Rice Pilaf

The method of creating selfmade rice pilaf is similar to the method of cooking up a field of Close to East or Rice-a-Roni pilaf. See the recipe card for printable instructions.

  • Soften the Butter: Warmth the butter in a deep skillet till it melts.
  • Toast the Pasta and Rice: Add the damaged pasta and rice, stirring till evenly golden. It ought to scent toasty too.
  • Simmer: Pour within the broth, carry to a boil, then cowl and cook dinner for 10 to 12 minutes, or till the broth is absorbed.
  • Relaxation and Fluff: Let the pilaf sit for five minutes, then fluff with a fork earlier than serving.

Ideas and Variations

  • Use the suitable rice: Though I sometimes don’t cook dinner with parboiled rice, I don’t thoughts it in any respect in relation to brown rice, particularly since brown rice can take some time to cook dinner within the skillet. I’ve tried all of the manufacturers offered within the grocery store and located the yield and quantity of liquid are usually not the identical. To make sure you are getting the identical outcomes, I recommend utilizing the Uncle Ben’s Immediate Brown Rice that cooks in 10 minutes. If you wish to use common brown rice, you’ll have to regulate the quantity of liquid and time based on the bundle instructions.
  • Add veggies: If you wish to add some veggies, you may add minced carrots, chopped broccoli, peas, or cauliflower rice to the combination when you add the broth. You can even add garlic, onion, and so on. Have enjoyable with it and let me know what variations you give you!
  • Make it a meal: Add some protein to make it a one-pot meal—for instance, hen, ham, shrimp, or sausage.
Skinnytaste High Protein cookbook protein

Prep: 2 minutes

Cook dinner: 20 minutes

Complete: 22 minutes

Yield: 4

Serving Measurement: 1 /2 cup

  • Soften the butter in a deep skillet with a fitted lid over medium warmth.

  • When the butter is melted, add the damaged spaghetti and rice. Cook dinner, stirring continuously, for two to three minutes, till barely toasted.

  • Add the hen broth and produce to a boil. Cut back the warmth to a simmer. Cowl and cook dinner for 10 to 12 minutes, till the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed.

  • Take away from the warmth and let sit for five minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Final Step:

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* use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free.
** to get this nearer to the flavour of Rice A Roni, use 1 cup hen bouillon or Higher Than Bouillon.

Serving: 1 /2 cup, Energy: 87 kcal, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 3 g, Fats: 2.5 g, Saturated Fats: 1 g, Ldl cholesterol: 5 mg, Sodium: 292.5 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 0.5 g

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an hermetic container for as much as 4 days. 
  • Freeze rice pilaf in a freezer bag with the air pressed out for as much as 3 months. Thaw within the fridge earlier than reheating.
  • Reheat within the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to revive the moisture.
Rice pilaf in bowl with parsley for garnish.

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