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.
Matt
This is my new favorite side dish.
Steve
Followed the recipe exactly – our new favorite side dish too!
Matt
I love hearing that! So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the nice comment.
Matty.
Cheryl
Can you double this recipe and if do do you change the cooking time?
Matt
Yes, You can double the recipe and the cooking time stays the same. Although it will take a little longer to pressurize.
Matty.
Kathy
I made this recipe last night in my Instant Pot and it turned out perfectly and was delicious. I like that I can control the sodium vs the rice in the box. My husband said this recipe is a keeper and I agree.
Matt
So glad that you and your husband enjoyed the rice. It is a favorite around my home as well.
Matty.
Tayla Parker
This recipe is so good! I tried it one night on a whim and I’m so glad I did. It has quickly become a family favorite and my picky eaters request it weekly.
Thanks Matty, my Matty loves it when I try your recipes, we have loved everything we have tried so far so keep ‘em coming!
Matt
I am so glad that you enjoyed it. Your welcome.
Matty
Sandra
I love this and make it all the time now! My question is – if I’m in a rush, can I let it natural release for, say, 10 minutes then quick release? What would happen if I quick release immediately?
Matt
If I was going to try and do a quick version I would pressure cook for 11 minutes and then quick release. I have not tried that with this recipe but that is what I would do.
Matty.
Jacqui
Absolutely delicious and incredibly easy to make. I used fresh garlic and onion instead of the powdered as I didn’t have either. I also used veg broth instead of chicken – it was really good and we will have it regularly. Very versatile too, thank you
Matt
You’re welcome I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
SS
Thanks for the post. Made this tonight and it was awesome! Will definitely be making it again.
Matt
I am so glad you enjoyed it.
Matt
Shirley
I usually adjust a recipe, but for some reason this looked good from the get-go. After trying this, I threw out all of my other rice recipes. This is beyond amazing! Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
Matt
Aww. That’s nice to say and I am glad that you enjoyed it that much. Thanks fro the nice commment. I have new stuff coming soon. Have a great day.
Matty.
Jeri
I have made this several times and it always comes out perfect. I have even doubled it and still perfect. Definitely keeping this recipe.
Matt
Thank you for the nice complement. I’m glad you enjoy the rice pilaf.
Matty.
Sheila
This was excellent! Made it as a side for dinner last night, and every one l9ved it!
Bama Memaw
This is soooo good! I’ve made it twice and it comes out perfect, even if you forget to add the parsley! This is absolutely my new favorite side dish. I anticipate making it weekly.
Matt
I am glad that you love it. This is my favorite too.
Matty.
Dori Hale
Love this flavorful side dish! It’s my families favorite rice now!
Matt
My family loves this dish too 🙂
Shannon
Delicious! This will make frequent appearances in our side dish rotation. Easy, quick and better than our favorite restaurant’s version. The leftovers were equally delicious the next day. Thank you!
Matt
You are so welcome. Thanks for the really nice comment. I love hearing about people enjoying my recipes.
Jo
So good! Can leftovers be frozen?
Matt
thank you for the nice review. I don’t see why leftovers could not be frozen. I have not done it myself because it never last that long.
Matty.
Jennifer
Absolutely delicious! Even my picky son liked it. Super easy to make too. Thank you! It’s going in my recipe book.
Matt
thank you for the nice complement. Glad your son liked it. It’s the same thing at my house everybody gobbles it up and loves it.
Matty
Lori
This is the best rice pilaf recipe. It turns out perfect every time, and the flavor is amazing. It pairs with virtually anything – beef, chicken, fish, etc.
Matt
Glad to hear that you enjoy it. Thanks for the nice review.
Matty.
Jennifer
My kids love this recipe! So much better than boxed rice. I followed Matt’s instructions and made no changes. I make this almost every week. Thanks for sharing!
Matt
I love that even the kids love it. Your welcome. I have been working on some new things.
Matty.
Denise
So delicious and easy! A nice change from plain rice. I’ve made it twice in the past 10 days, and it will be on regular repeat! Thanks!
Matt
I love hearing that. I make this all the time for myself. I am so glad you enjoy it.
Matty.
Denise
So excited about my air fryer, I haven’t been using my Instant Pot. So glad I decided to try this recipe. Never going back to rice pilaf from a box. Thank you so much for this recipe! It’s delicious!
Matt
I too will never go back to rice pilaf in a box. This is so easy and has so much flavor. Thank you for the compliment.
Matty.
Karen
this has become my go-to rice recipe for a side dish, we absolutely LOVE it…it pairs well with so many things…personally, I could eat it all by itself as a main dish, I love it that much!!!!!
Matt
Thanks so much for the kind review. I am so glad to hear that you love the rice. I too love it and make it all the time. Such a good flavor. Have a great holiday.
Matty
Brenda
Sounds delicious. Can I make ahead of time and reheat in a casserole dish in microwave?
Matt
Yes I think that would work fine.
Matty.
Jeanie Dubberley
This looks delicious, but I can’t have orzo as I have celiac disease. Could I just use more rice?
Matt
I don’t see that being a problem. Of course it does change the texture a little bit because you don’t have the orzo, but the flavor would be the same.
Farrel DeBaltzo
I used to eat Rice-a-Roni by the boxful. This recipe is reminiscent of my favorite chicken flavor, but so much more flavorful, and without all of the junk. Thanks for sharing your creativity and wisdom! This is a definitive keeper, for sure! 😀
Matt
Thanks so much for the nice comment. So glad to hear you enjoy the rice. I love this dish myself. I had to share it with everybody.
Have a Great Day.
Matty.
Jessica
I’ve made this probably 10 times and it comes out great every time. Sometimes I toss some frozen peas in. Thanks for the recipe!
Random question, are you using WP Recipe Maker for your recipe card? If so, which style are you using. I like the look!
Matt
Glad you like the recipe 🙂 as far as my recipe card yes it’s WP recipe. It’s the paid version though. My recipe template is one of their preset ones that I customized a little. You’ll be able to find it if you buy the paid version. Hope that helps.
Matty.
Lynne Friedlander
Planning on making for Rosh Hashanah. Can I double the recipe?
Matt
Sorry for the late reply yes, you can. Double the recipe no problem but the timing stays the same.
Merrymepenelope
This is an easy recipe for a delicious side dish. I’ve used this recipe a few times and we always love it. I cheat by adding all the spices into the 2 cups of stock (with a bay leaf) and pour it all in after toasting the rice and orzo in butter. We’re at altitude so I cook it a bit longer as well. Thanks for the yummy!!
Matt
So glad to hear that you enjoy this. I’ve been working on a bunch of new things. There will be a bunch of stuff coming soon. Thank you for the kind comment.