If you’re craving the nostalgic comfort of a classic side dish but want to skip the boxed mix hassle, you’re going to love this Instant Pot Rice-a-Roni Recipe. This version captures all the warm, buttery, and subtly spiced flavors you adore, but with fresher ingredients and a faster, fuss-free method thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. It’s the perfect balance of fluffy rice and golden toasted noodles, wrapped in cozy spices that bring every bite to life. Once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed Rice-a-Roni any other way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavor just right in this rice dish is all about simple, quality ingredients. Each element plays a key role— from the crispy toasted noodles adding crunch to the aromatic spices that build layers of flavor and the rich chicken broth that keeps everything moist and delicious.
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter: Melts perfectly to bring richness and helps brown the noodles to golden perfection.
- ½ cup (2 oz) thin spaghetti noodles, broken into small pieces: Creates the signature toasted texture and nutty undertone.
- 1 cup long grain rice: Provides light, fluffy grains with a firm bite that soak up all the flavors.
- 1 ¼ cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to the rice, cooking it to tender perfection.
- ½ teaspoon minced onion: Gives that subtle aromatic sweetness that elevates the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with comforting warmth and a gentle garlicky kick.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances and enhances the natural flavors of every ingredient.
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric: Lends a sunny hue and a mild earthy note that makes the rice visually and tastefully interesting.
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Instant Pot Rice-a-Roni Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Noodles to Toasty Perfection
Turn your Instant Pot on the “Sauté” setting and let it heat up before adding the butter. Once melted, toss in the broken spaghetti noodles and stir frequently. Watch closely as they transform from pale to a gorgeous golden brown—this step locks in the signature toasted flavor and adds crucial texture. Don’t rush it; 2 to 3 minutes should do the trick.
Step 2: Add and Toast the Rice
Next, sprinkle in the rice and keep stirring for an additional minute. Toasting the rice along with your noodles deepens the flavor and ensures the grains separate beautifully when cooked, avoiding that unwanted mushiness.
Step 3: Season It Up and Pour in Broth
Mix in the minced onion, garlic powder, kosher salt, and turmeric to evenly coat all the ingredients with aromatic spices. Pour in the chicken broth, and make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits—this not only prevents sticking but also adds even more flavor. At this point, turn off the sauté mode.
Step 4: Pressure Cook to Finish
Seal the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to “Pressure Cook” on high for 6 minutes. Once the timer beeps, carefully perform a quick pressure release to stop the cooking instantly, preserving the perfect rice texture.
Step 5: Fluff and Add Fresh Parsley
Open the lid and gently fluff the rice and noodles with a fork to separate the grains and distribute the flavors evenly. Stir in fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous note that brightens every bite.
How to Serve Instant Pot Rice-a-Roni Recipe
Garnishes
This dish shines with a scattering of fresh herbs like parsley or chives, adding visual appeal and a fresh bite. You can also sprinkle a few toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts on top for a subtle crunch and nutty flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Traditional or not, this rice is a star alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a tangy salad. It’s versatile enough to partner beautifully with Mediterranean, American, or even Middle Eastern dishes, making dinnertime exciting and flavorful.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or simply jazz up your lunch? Try serving the rice in hollowed bell peppers or stuffed into baked tomatoes, turning this humble side into a stunning centerpiece. You can also mix in sautéed mushrooms or peas for more color and texture variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Instant Pot Rice-a-Roni Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. It’s perfect for meal prepping your week’s dinners or packing for lunch with minimal fuss.
Freezing
Freeze leftover rice in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the best texture and flavor for later enjoyment.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen portions in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture. Give it a quick stir halfway through heating to ensure it warms evenly and stays fluffy rather than clumpy.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth works perfectly if you prefer a vegetarian option or simply want a different flavor profile—it still provides plenty of savory goodness.
What if I don’t have thin spaghetti noodles?
You can substitute with angel hair pasta or even broken vermicelli for a similar toasted texture and appearance. Just toast them until golden as directed for the best results.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written since it uses pasta noodles, which contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, omit the noodles or replace them with gluten-free pasta alternatives that can be toasted similarly.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of the Instant Pot?
Yes! Follow the same steps of toasting noodles and rice, then simmer with broth in a covered pan until the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Timing will be a bit longer but it’s delicious either way.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Feel free to stir in cooked peas, diced carrots, or chopped bell peppers either during the last few minutes of pressure cooking or right before serving to add color, nutrition, and extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Rice-a-Roni Recipe is a game changer for home cooks looking to recreate a beloved classic with fresh ingredients, simple steps, and a lot of comforting flavor. It’s quick, fuss-free, and versatile enough to become a staple in your weekly menu—try it today and watch it become your new favorite side!
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Instant Pot Rice-a-Roni Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Instant Pot Rice-a-Roni recipe delivers a delicious homemade version of the classic boxed rice and pasta side dish, with a fresher taste and simple cooking method using an Instant Pot. Lightly toasted spaghetti noodles, fragrant spices, and savory chicken broth combine to create a flavorful, easy-to-make accompaniment ready in just 17 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup (2 oz) thin spaghetti noodles, broken into small pieces
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon minced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Saute the noodles: Turn the Instant Pot to the “Saute” setting and allow it to heat up. Once hot, add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Then add the broken spaghetti noodles and saute them until they are lightly browned and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Toast the rice: Add the long grain rice to the pot with the browned noodles and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently, until the rice becomes slightly toasted and coated with butter.
- Add seasonings and broth: Stir in the minced onion, garlic powder, kosher salt, and turmeric evenly over the rice and noodles mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine, ensuring there are no browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot to prevent burning during pressure cooking. Turn off the saute mode.
- Pressure cook the rice: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure for 6 minutes to cook the rice and noodles through. After the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Finish and serve: Open the lid carefully, fluff the rice and noodle mixture with a fork, and stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian variation.
- Adjust the amount of salt based on your broth’s sodium content.
- Be sure to break the spaghetti into small pieces to cook evenly.
- If you don’t have an Instant Pot, this recipe can be adapted for stovetop by simmering covered until the rice is tender.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated with a splash of broth or water.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
