Homemade rice-a-roni

Homemade Rice-a-Roni is a comforting side dish featuring toasted pasta and white rice cooked in vegetable broth. It's simple to make and can be customised to suit your taste.

24 Dec 2025
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 5 min

Ingredients:

4 oz pasta
3/4 cup white rice
1.50 cups vegetable broth
2 tbsp butter

Rice-a-Roni is a beloved side dish that's perfect for any meal. This homemade version is simple to prepare and allows you to customize the ingredients to your liking. With just a few pantry staples like pasta, rice, vegetable broth, and butter, you can create a delicious and comforting dish that's sure to please everyone at the table.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pasta and Rice:
- Begin by measuring out and preparing your ingredients. Break the pasta into small pieces if it’s not already in short segments.

2. Toast the Pasta:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted, add the broken pasta pieces to the skillet.
- Stir continuously, toasting the pasta until it turns a golden-brown color. This will take about 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.

3. Add the Rice:
- After the pasta is toasted, add the white rice to the skillet.
- Stir well to combine the rice with the toasted pasta and coat it with the butter.

4. Cook the Mix:
- Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring well to ensure the rice and pasta are evenly distributed in the liquid.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer:
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the skillet or saucepan with a lid and let it simmer.
- Allow it to cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth has been absorbed.

6. Fluff and Serve:
- Once the cooking time is complete, remove the skillet from heat.
- Let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes for the residual heat to finish cooking the mixture.
- After this, fluff the rice-a-roni with a fork to mix everything well.

7. Serve:
- Transfer the homemade rice-a-roni to a serving dish.
- It can be served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own.

Making homemade Rice-a-Roni is a straightforward process that yields a delicious and customizable side dish. By following these tips and using simple ingredients, you can enjoy a classic comfort food made right in your kitchen. Whether you serve it alongside a protein or enjoy it on its own, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Homemade rice-a-roni FAQ:

How long does it take to cook homemade Rice-A-Roni?

The total cooking time for homemade Rice-A-Roni is about 20-25 minutes. This includes approximately 15-20 minutes of simmering after bringing the mixture to a boil, plus an additional 5 minutes of resting time after cooking.

What can I substitute for vegetable broth in this recipe?

You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth or water for a neutral flavor. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, ensure any broth used is labeled as vegetarian.

How do I know when the rice is done cooking?

The rice is done when it is tender and all of the broth has been absorbed. You can check this by tasting a few grains to ensure they are fully cooked.

What kind of pasta works best for homemade Rice-A-Roni?

Short pasta like orzo, small shells, or ditalini works best for Rice-A-Roni. You can also use any other small pasta you have on hand, but avoid large pieces as they may require different cooking times.

Can I store leftover Rice-A-Roni?

Yes, you can store leftover Rice-A-Roni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out.

Tips:

- Use a combination of thin pasta, such as vermicelli or angel hair, which can be broken into smaller pieces.

- Toast the pasta in butter before adding the rice and broth to enhance the flavor.

- For added depth, you can sauté onions and garlic in the butter before adding the pasta and rice.

- Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices, like parsley, thyme, or a bay leaf, to the broth for extra flavor.

- Substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if you prefer a different taste.

- After cooking, let the dish stand for a few minutes to absorb any remaining liquid fully.

Nutrition per serving

6 Servings
Calories 190kcal
Protein 4.30g
Carbohydrates 33g
Fiber 0.91g
Sugar 0.89g
Fat 4.37g

Homemade rice-a-roni