Description
Instant Pot Rice Pilaf with Orzo is a fluffy, buttery side dish made with toasted orzo, basmati rice, and warm seasonings cooked together under pressure for a quick and flavorful one-pot accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt butter.
- Add orzo and toast for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
- Stir in rinsed basmati rice to coat in butter.
- Add chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried parsley.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Close lid and seal valve, then cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
- Allow natural release for 10 minutes, then carefully release remaining pressure.
- Fluff rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing rice helps prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Toasting orzo adds a nutty depth of flavor.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Do not skip natural pressure release for best texture.
- Great for meal prep and reheats well.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pressure Cooking (Instant Pot)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
