Parmesan Rice and Pasta Pilaf
Transform your mealtime side dishes with this Parmesan Rice and Pasta Pilaf – a buttery, golden blend of vermicelli pasta and fluffy long-grain white rice, perfectly seasoned and enriched with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. Toasted pasta adds an irresistible nutty depth, while a simmer in savory chicken broth infuses every bite with hearty flavor. Finished with a dash of garlic powder, a hint of black pepper, and a touch of fresh parsley, this quick and easy pilaf is ready in just 40 minutes and pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or seafood. Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this comforting, cheesy pilaf guarantees second helpings and rave reviews.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup vermicelli pasta (or angel hair pasta, broken into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add the broken vermicelli pasta to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta turns golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the long-grain white rice and cook for another minute to lightly toast the rice and coat it with butter.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Cook the pilaf undisturbed for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
Turn off the heat and let the pilaf rest, covered, for 5 minutes to steam and enhance the texture.
Remove the lid and gently fluff the pilaf with a fork. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color, if desired.
Serve warm as a side dish with your favorite protein or vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
402 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 12.6 g | 16% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.5 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 33 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium | 765 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 57.0 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.0 g | ||
| Protein | 14.5 g | 29% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 147 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 294 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
