This delicious Rice Pilaf (Healthy Rice-A-Roni) comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand, or use it as a way to clean out the fridge, it’s incredibly versatile! Honestly, you can make this your own, and I’m here for it!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Brown Rice
- Angel Hair Pasta
- Butter or Olive Oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth
- Salt and Pepper
- Herbs (Optional)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking. Let that butter sizzle!
Cook the Onion: Add the chopped onion, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. This is where the magic starts! You’ll love that sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant oh, you’ll want to breathe it all in!
Toast the Pasta: Next, add the broken angel hair pasta. Stir it around for about 2-3 minutes until it gets a beautiful golden hue. Seriously, this step helps enhance the overall flavor of your pilaf!
Add the Brown Rice and Broth: Toss in 1 cup of brown rice along with the 3 cups of broth. Now, here’s the fun part, give it all a gentle stir to combine everything beautifully!
Season: Sprinkle in those couple pinches of salt and pepper, along with any herbs you’re using. Bring everything to a boil!
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Let the rice work its magic!
Fluff and Serve: Once done, remove from heat, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Make sure to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the pan for a flavor boost!
And there you have it, your easy Rice Pilaf is all ready to be devoured!
Why I Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this Rice Pilaf is literally my go-to recipe when I’m in a pinch! It’s just such comfort food; warm and filling, perfect for any weeknight meal. What’s neat is you can easily adjust it based on whatever you have in the pantry, whether that’s leftover veggies or meats, this dish is flexible. I’m a real sucker for recipes that allow you to use what’s in your kitchen!
And the best part is, it’s just packed with tons of flavor! Every bite is like a warm hug, bringing the family together around the table. I remember the first time I made this, it disappeared in seconds. My picky eight-year-old even asked for seconds, which is always a win around here!
If you loved this Rice Pilaf, be sure to check out my Boursin Collard Green Rice, my Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, or my Chicken Rice Ball!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
The beauty of this recipe is that it comes together in under 30 minutes! You’ll have dinner on the table fast, perfect for those busy weeknights when everyone’s starving!
One Pot Wonder
I mean, it’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup is a total breeze! Who wants to deal with a mountain of dishes after a long day? Not I!
Budget-Friendly
This recipe is also super budget-friendly. Utilizing simple, everyday ingredients makes it an economical choice for families. You can whip up a delicious, hearty dish without breaking the bank!
Customizable
Are you feeling adventurous? This dish is seriously customizable! Use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Leftover veggies? Toss them in! Want to add a protein? Go for it!
Meal Prep-Friendly
You can make a big batch of this Rice Pilaf at the start of the week and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It stores well in the fridge and tastes just as good reheated.
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve With This
This Rice Pilaf pairs beautifully with a variety of proteins, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh salad. It’s incredibly versatile and complements so many dishes!
Storage Tips
Store any leftover pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply add a splash of water and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and prevent sticking. Easy peasy!
Freezer Friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze this Rice Pilaf for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat!
Food is all about gathering, sharing, and nourishing your loved ones. It’s about creating memories, and this Rice Pilaf recipe is a fantastic way to do that. You might even find it makes an appearance in your home week after week, just like it does in mine!
Delicious, wholesome, and so easy to make, what more could you ask for? Enjoy your cooking adventures, my friend! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
Rice Pilaf (Healthy Rice-A-Roni)
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, melt the butter or heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the broken angel hair pasta and stir for about 2-3 minutes until it gets a golden hue.
- Toss in the brown rice and broth, and give it a gentle stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and any herbs you’re using. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork.