Orzo Rice
+3 photos

Orzo Rice

8 servings
This Orzo Rice is the perfect rice side dish for any meal. Whips up just as fast as Rice-A-Roni but tastes so much better!

Ingredients

  • butter
    4 tbsp
  • orzo pasta
    1 c
  • onion

    diced

    1
  • garlic

    minced

    4 cloves
  • rice
    1 c
  • salt and pepper
    to taste
  • turmeric

    for yellow color

    ¼ tsp
  • chicken broth
    4 c

Directions

  1. 1

    Melt butter in a medium-sized saucepan/pot. Add orzo and cook until golden brown.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Add onion and saute until onions become clear. Add garlic and saute for another minute or so.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    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.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Remove from heat and remove lid. Let stand for a few minutes then fluff with a fork and serve!

    Step 4
Orzo Rice
+3

Orzo Rice

35 min8 servings285 cal

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About this Recipe

Looking for the ultimate side dish that’s far superior to any boxed mix? This Orzo Rice recipe delivers incredible flavor and texture, making it the perfect companion for any meal. It whips up with surprising ease, proving that homemade always tastes best. What sets this Orzo Rice apart is the simple yet powerful combination of butter-sautéed orzo, fragrant diced onion, and fresh minced garlic, creating a deeply savory base for the rice. This easy method builds complex flavor that elevates your meal far beyond a typical side dish, tasting far better than the convenience of Rice-A-Roni. Prepare for a side dish that’s both comforting and incredibly flavorful. You’ll find fluffy rice intertwined with tender orzo pasta, each grain infused with a rich, savory broth and the mellow warmth of garlic and onion. The hint of turmeric gives the dish a beautiful, sunny yellow hue, making it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate. It’s a robust side, offering a satisfying texture and deep, aromatic taste that complements a wide array of main courses. While fantastic as is, you can easily adapt this Orzo Rice to suit your pantry or preferences. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it a vegetarian option, or use beef broth for a different depth of flavor. For a milder dish, you could slightly reduce the amount of garlic. If you’re out of turmeric, the dish will still be delicious, just without the signature golden color. This versatile Orzo Rice is an ideal side for weeknight dinners or larger family gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or any savory protein you choose, serving as a hearty and flavorful anchor to your plate.

Frequently Asked Questions