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Easy Homemade Fluffy Rice Pilaf with Orzo

Close-up of a white bowl filled with fluffy rice pilaf, garnished generously with chopped fresh parsley and visible toasted vermicelli.
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Make this simple, flavorful rice pilaf featuring toasted orzo, onion, and garlic. It cooks quickly and results in perfectly fluffy grains, making it a go-to side dish for any weeknight meal.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the orzo pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns light golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the saucepan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir constantly for 2 minutes to toast the grains lightly.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this resting period.
  9. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and stir in the fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps achieve a fluffier texture.
  • This pilaf pairs well with roasted chicken or grilled steak. For meal planning inspiration, consider this a great alternative to complex sides often found with meal delivery companies.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute half the broth with dry white wine and let it cook off before adding the rest of the liquid.

Nutrition

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