This Easy Stovetop Rice Pilaf with Orzo is the perfect rice side dish for any meal. It whips up just as fast (or faster!) as the boxed stuff but this version tastes so much better!
Rice Pilaf
This stovetop rice pilaf is the perfect side dish for just about any meal. It complements pretty much everything! Even in restaurants, your side-dish choices are usually potato, steamed veggie, or pilaf (am I right?).
We used to buy the boxed version but after discovering how cheap and easy it is to make (it really doesn’t take much longer than the stuff in a box), we have never gone back. You will see what I mean!
If you don’t care about having a yellow color to your rice pilaf, feel free to leave out the turmeric. I think the slight yellow tint looks prettier on the plate (and my kids are more willing to eat it), so I like adding the turmeric, but it’s not going to make or break the dish.
What to Add to the Rice Pilaf
One of the things I like the best about this rice pilaf dish is how incredibly versatile it is. With a few small changes, you can completely transform this dish.
I like to add in veggies to the rice as it cooks. Just chop the vegetables up first. My favorite additions have been chopped red pepper, carrots, and/or peas…they are all great! I have tried it all the different ways and love them all. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in a couple of veggies without the kids throwing a fit. They’ll never know!
Dishes that Go With This Recipe
My very favorite to pair this rice pilaf with is fish. On those nights when I just want to keep things simple and easy, I will cook up some seasoned fish with this rice pilaf and some steamed veggies and dinner is ready in less than 30 minutes.
It is also fantastic with chicken, particularly this coconut curry grilled chicken or this grilled balsamic chicken. Honestly, pretty much anything goes with rice pilaf!
More Rice Recipes to Try:
- Spanish Chicken and Rice Skillet
- Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Restaurant Ham Fried Rice
- Lemon Pesto Rice
- Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet
- Skillet Sausage and Rice
How to Make Rice Pilaf
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. butter
- 1 c. orzo pasta
- 1 onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 c. rice
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp. turmeric for yellow color
- 4 c. chicken broth
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium-sized saucepan/pot. Add orzo and cook until golden brown.
- Add onion and saute until onions become clear.
- Add garlic and saute for another minute or so.
- Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- When mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and remove lid. Let stand for a few minutes then fluff with a fork and serve!
