introduction
Pin on Pasta & Rice is a simple, small dish that mixes pasta and rice with a light sauce. It cooks fast and uses common kitchen ingredients. This dish is easy to make for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner, and you can change it with what you have on hand. For ideas on similar simple meals, try this chicken rice porridge recipe for a comforting rice option.
why make this recipe
You make this recipe when you want a quick, filling meal. It uses pantry items and cooks in one pan. It feeds a small family and makes good leftovers. If you like bright flavors, consider pairing it with a light pasta like lemon spinach pasta as a side idea.
how to make Pin on Pasta & Rice
This dish cooks pasta and rice with vegetables and a simple sauce. You boil the rice and pasta together so they finish at the same time. Stir in cheese or herbs at the end for more flavor. For a richer dish, try adding a smoky touch like in this bacon carbonara pasta idea.
Ingredients :
- 1/2 cup long grain rice, rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (orzo, small shells)
- 3 cups water or low-salt broth
- 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or any cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Directions :
- Heat oil or butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add rice and pasta to the pot. Stir to coat with oil.
- Pour in water or broth. Add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Lower heat, cover, and simmer 12–15 minutes, or until rice and pasta are tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir once midway to prevent sticking.
- Add mixed vegetables in the last 5 minutes of cooking so they heat through.
- Turn off heat. Stir in cheese if you use it. Let sit, covered, 2 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and stir in fresh herbs. Serve warm.
how to serve Pin on Pasta & Rice
Serve this dish hot in bowls or on plates. It goes well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. For protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp. For a spicy twist, top with a bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. You can also try a creamy chicken pasta like Cajun honey butter chicken pasta on a different night.
how to store Pin on Pasta & Rice
Cool the dish to room temperature within two hours. Put it in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth. You can also freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. For an easy reheat idea, see a pasta meal like chicken bacon ranch pasta for inspiration on reheating mixed pasta dishes.
tips to make Pin on Pasta & Rice
- Use small pasta so it cooks with the rice.
- Stir once or twice while simmering to avoid sticking.
- If the pot looks dry before ingredients are done, add a little hot water.
- Taste and add salt at the end if you use salty broth.
- Add cheese or butter after cooking for a richer taste.
variation (if any)
- Veggie version: Add more vegetables like bell pepper, corn, or spinach.
- Protein version: Stir in cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp.
- Creamy version: Add 1/4 cup cream or milk after cooking and heat gently.
- Tomato version: Add a small can of diced tomatoes with the liquid for a tomato base.
FAQs
Q: Can I use only pasta or only rice?
A: Yes. Use only pasta and cook per package, or use only rice and cook per rice instructions. Cooking both together gives a mix texture.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and check broth ingredients. For gluten-free pasta ideas, see gluten-free pasta recipes online.
Q: How do I keep the dish from getting mushy?
A: Use the right water to grain ratio and check often. Stop cooking when rice and pasta are just tender. Drain any extra liquid.
Q: Can I add fresh herbs?
A: Yes. Add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives at the end for bright flavor.
Q: Is this dish good for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of liquid to keep it moist.
Conclusion
For more gluten-free pasta ideas, see this helpful Gluten Free Pasta Recipe guide that shows fresh and gluten-free pasta options. If you want a simple homemade gluten-free pasta method, try the Homemade Gluten Free Pasta tutorial. For more ways to use rice, beans, and pasta in quick meals, check this list of ways to use rice, beans, and pasta. If you enjoy pasta culture and stories, read Every Day is Pasta Day essay for inspiration. For a gluten-free rice side that mimics a pantry favorite, try this Easy Gluten-Free Rice-A-Roni copycat.
Pin on Pasta & Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup long grain rice, rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (orzo, small shells)
- 3 cups water or low-salt broth
- 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or any cheese (optional)
- to taste Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat oil or butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add rice and pasta to the pot. Stir to coat with oil.
- Pour in water or broth. Add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until rice and pasta are tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir once midway to prevent sticking.
- Add mixed vegetables in the last 5 minutes of cooking so they heat through.
- Turn off heat. Stir in cheese if using it. Let sit, covered, for 2 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and stir in fresh herbs. Serve warm.