Print

Fluffy Homemade Classic Rice Pilaf with Toasted Orzo

A white bowl filled with a mix of rice pilaf and bowtie pasta, topped generously with fresh chopped parsley.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this easy, savory rice pilaf with toasted orzo for a perfect, fluffy side dish. This recipe is a healthier alternative to boxed mixes and is ready for your weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the orzo pasta to the pan. Toast the orzo, stirring constantly, until it turns light golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  3. Add the rinsed rice, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring until the onion softens slightly.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the salt and pepper. Stir once to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  6. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for exactly 18 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  7. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Keep the lid on and let the rice rest undisturbed for 10 minutes. This resting step is key for fluffy rice.
  8. After resting, remove the lid. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
  9. Stir in the fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps prevent sticky or mushy results.
  • Use high-quality broth; this provides the main flavor for this savory rice pilaf.
  • For a vegetarian rice pilaf side, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
  • This recipe works well as a make ahead rice pilaf; cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cravybite.link/best-fluffy-rice-pilaf-recipe/