5.0 from 12 votes
Classic Rice Pilaf
Simple yet full of flavor, this rice pilaf is made with rice and tender orzo pasta.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 326 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
- 1/2 medium white or yellow onion minced (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup long grain white rice uncooked - no minute rice
- 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley optional
Instructions
Prepare
- You'll need a skillet or saucepan with a lid for this recipe.
Cup of Yum
Saute
- Add butter to skillet or saucepan and heat over MED heat. Once melted, add onion, garlic, and orzo pasta.
- Cook for several minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic and orzo are lightly golden brown. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, so don't walk away during this step!
Cook the rice
- Add rice, chicken broth, salt, and parsley (if using). Stir well, and bring mixture to a boil.
- Once it reaches a boil, cover with the lid, and reduce the heat to LOW and simmer. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Fluff and serve
- Turn off the heat and remove lid. Fluff with a fork or rubber spatula. ** If there's liquid left in the pan, turn the heat back to LOW and continue stirring over low heat until the liquid is gone. **
- Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- I've estimated this recipe serves approximately 4 people, however the exact serving size is up to you.
- Instead of orzo pasta, you can use vermicelli or thin spaghetti that's been broken into small pieces.
Nutrition Information
Calories
326kcal
(16%)
Carbohydrates
55g
(18%)
Protein
10g
(20%)
Fat
7g
(11%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
2g
Trans Fat
0.2g
Cholesterol
15mg
(5%)
Sodium
206mg
(9%)
Potassium
295mg
(8%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
487IU
(10%)
Vitamin C
6mg
(7%)
Calcium
37mg
(4%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 326
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 326kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 55g | 18% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 206mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 295mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 487IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 37mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.