Orzo and Brown Rice Pilaf

Elevate your side dish game with this hearty and flavorful Orzo and Brown Rice Pilaf! Combining the nuttiness of brown rice with the delicate, toasty notes of golden-brown orzo pasta, this dish offers the perfect balance of texture and taste. Infused with the rich aromatics of sautéed onions, garlic, and a hint of dried thyme, and simmered in a savory broth, every bite delivers comforting, home-cooked goodness. It’s easy to prepare in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze, and comes together with minimal effort in under an hour. Perfect as a versatile side for roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or even a stand-alone vegetarian option when paired with your favorite salad, this pilaf is garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an elegant, herby finish. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this wholesome, crowd-pleasing recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Brown rice
• 0.5 cup Orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 0.5 cup Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 3 cups Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the orzo pasta to the pan and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown.

Step 4

Stir in the uncooked brown rice, ensuring it is well combined with the orzo and aromatics.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and season with the salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir gently and raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the mixture simmer for 35 minutes, or until the rice and orzo are tender and have absorbed all the liquid.

Step 7

Turn off the heat and allow the pilaf to rest for 5 minutes, covered, to enhance the flavors.

Step 8

Fluff the pilaf with a fork, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1151.7 grams (1151.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	997

Total Fat 43.20g	55%
Saturated Fat 16.60g	83%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 62mg	21%
Sodium 2799mg	122%
Total Carbohydrate 134.20g	49%
Dietary Fiber 10.90g	39%
Total Sugars 5.90g
Protein 22.30g	45%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 112mg	9%
Iron 6mg	31%
Potassium 405mg	9%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.3%

Protein: 8.8%

Carbs: 52.9%