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Easy One-Pot Fluffy Rice Pilaf with Orzo

Close-up of fluffy rice pilaf served in a white bowl and garnished generously with chopped fresh parsley.
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Make a simple, flavorful rice pilaf in one pot using orzo and fresh herbs for a perfect side dish.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the rinsed rice and the orzo pasta. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until the grains are lightly toasted.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Do not remove the lid during this resting period.
  8. Fluff the rice mixture gently with a fork. Stir in the fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps create fluffier grains.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
  • For added texture, toast 1/4 cup of slivered almonds separately and stir them in at the end.

Nutrition

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