Instant Pot Rice Pilaf with Orzo is a simple side dish that always hits. It’s buttery, full of flavor, and only takes about 20 minutes to make. The orzo gets nicely toasted, and the basmati rice comes out fluffy and tender. It’s the kind of recipe that works on a busy weeknight, for meal prep, or as an easy upgrade to any dinner. This is a family favorite.
What Is Rice Pilaf?
Rice pilaf is a classic cooking method where rice is first sautéed in butter or oil—often with pasta like orzo or vermicelli—before being simmered in seasoned broth. This toasting step adds a nutty flavor and helps keep the grains separate and fluffy. It’s a simple way to transform plain rice into something more flavorful and satisfying.
Why This Recipe Is Fantastic
- Easy to make in one pot using your pressure cooker
- Toasted orzo gives a nutty flavor and extra texture
- Done in about 20 minutes with minimal effort
- Perfect for weeknights, holidays, or meal prep
Jump to:
- What Is Rice Pilaf?
- Why This Recipe Is Fantastic
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Equipment and Essentials
- How to Make Instant Pot Rice Pilaf
- Stovetop Instructions
- Expert Tips
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Pairings and Related Recipes
- FAQ
- More Common Questions
- Storage and Reheating
- Nutritional Information
- Instant Pot Rice Pilaf with Orzo
This post was updated in June 2025 with fresh tips, a revised format, and improved structure for better search performance and user experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/3 cup orzo
- 1 cup white rice (I used basmati)
- 2 cups chicken broth (Better Than Bouillon Organic Chicken Base)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley)
(Note: You can use regular paprika if you don’t have smoked paprika. And if you want a vegetarian option, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.)
Equipment and Essentials
Below is what I used to create this recipe. I will link to these items. Yes, some of these are affiliate links but they are no cost to you.
Instant Pot Duo Plus 6 Quart 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Whole Foods Market, Organic Orzo
365 by WFM, Rice Indian Basmati White Organic
How to Make Instant Pot Rice Pilaf
Step 1 – Melt the butter
Add the butter to the Instant Pot and press Sauté. Swirl it to melt and spread evenly.
Step 2 – Brown the orzo
Once the butter foams, add the orzo. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.
Step 3 – Add the rice
Add the rice and sauté for about 1 minute, until the grains look brighter white.
Step 4 – Add the broth
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well.
Step 5 – Season
Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine. Do not add parsley yet.
Step 6 – Pressure cook
Lock the lid, set the valve to Seal, and pressure cook on HIGH for 3 minutes. Turn off Keep Warm. Allow natural release (takes about 30 minutes).
Step 7 – Finish with parsley
Once pressure has released, stir in the parsley and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Stovetop Instructions
If you’d rather make this on the stovetop:
- Melt butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add orzo and cook until golden brown.
- Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and all seasonings (except parsley).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in parsley, and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing.
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip browning the orzo—it adds a toasted, nutty depth to the dish.
- Rinse your rice beforehand if you want slightly fluffier results.
- For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth with veggie broth.
Variations
- No orzo? Skip it or use broken vermicelli or thin spaghetti.
- Different broth: Try veggie broth for a vegetarian version or beef broth for a richer flavor.
- Add-ins: Stir in frozen peas, sautéed mushrooms, or slivered almonds after cooking.
- Fresh herbs: Use fresh parsley, dill, or basil instead of dried.
Serving Suggestions
This rice pilaf pairs well with:
- Grilled or roasted chicken
- Baked or air fried fish
- Roasted vegetables or Mediterranean-inspired salads
Pairings and Related Recipes
Try these from the blog:
FAQ
Yes, just avoid sticky short grain rice for best texture.
Pilaf starts by sautéing the grain (often with orzo or vermicelli) and cooking in seasoned broth.
You can leave it out or substitute with broken spaghetti or vermicelli.
It prevents the bottom of the rice from overcooking or sticking while releasing pressure.
More Common Questions
Yes. It keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
Microwave with a splash of broth or water. Or reheat in a skillet on low heat.
Yes, just make sure not to exceed your Instant Pot’s fill line.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
- Microwave: Add a splash of broth or water and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of liquid, stirring occasionally.
- Instant Pot: Add 1/2 cup water or broth to the pot. Place the rice in a heat-safe container on a trivet. Use the Steamfunction for 12–15 minutes with the lid sealed.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 559mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
This easy Instant Pot rice pilaf with orzo is buttery, fluffy, and ready to make your dinner plate better. It’s become a go-to in my kitchen, and once you try it, you’ll see why. Let me know in the comments if you made it or tag me on social media — #StuffMattyCooks
Instant Pot Rice Pilaf with Orzo
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Butter
- 1/3 Cup Orzo
- 1 Cup White Rice I used Basmati
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth I used Better than Bullion Organic Chicken Broth
- 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 3/4 tsp. Sea Salt
- 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp. Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp. Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp. Dried Parsley If using fresh use 1 Tbsp.
Instructions
- Step 1 – Melt the butter Add the butter to the Instant Pot and press Sauté. Swirl it to melt and spread evenly.
- Step 2 – Brown the orzo Once the butter foams, add the orzo. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.
- Step 3 – Add the rice Add the rice and sauté for about 1 minute, until the grains look brighter white.
- Step 4 – Add the broth Pour in the chicken broth and stir well.
- Step 5 – Season Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine. Do not add parsley yet.
- Step 6 – Pressure cook Lock the lid, set the valve to Seal, and pressure cook on HIGH for 3 minutes. Turn off Keep Warm. Allow natural release (takes about 30 minutes).
- Step 7 – Finish with parsley Once pressure has released, stir in the parsley and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
- Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Paprika: You can use regular paprika if you don’t have smoked.
- Rinsing rice: Rinse for fluffier results (optional).
- No orzo? You can skip it or use broken spaghetti or vermicelli.
