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.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the broken vermicelli pasta to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta turns golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the long-grain white rice and cook for another minute to lightly toast the rice and coat it with butter.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Turn off the heat and let the pilaf rest, covered, for 5 minutes to steam and enhance the texture.

Step 7

Remove the lid and gently fluff the pilaf with a fork. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color, if desired.

Step 9

Serve warm as a side dish with your favorite protein or vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1112.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1605.8

Total Fat 52.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 133mg	0%
Sodium 3269.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 227.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.3g	0%
Total Sugars 7.5g
Protein 57.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 571.5mg	0%
Iron 7.2mg	0%
Potassium 1113.6mg	0%

*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: 29.1%

Protein: 14.4%

Carbs: 56.5%