Instant Pot Rice-A-Roni (perfect every time!)

Name: Instant Pot Rice-A-Roni
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 box (6.8 oz) Rice-A-Roni ((any variety)); 2 Tbsp butter ((can substitute olive oil)); 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup water

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Free up stovetop space and make the best, fluffiest boxed Rice-A-Roni in the Instant Pot. This foolproof Rice-A-Roni recipe is perfect to include in your weekly meal plan for an easy and delicious dinner side dish. You’ll have perfectly cooked, fluffy rice in minutes every time.

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The Best Boxed Rice – Made in the Instant Pot

For the easiest, tastiest Rice-A-Roni, make it right in your pressure cooker. This Instant Pot Rice-A-Roni recipe has a hands-off approach, which means no stirring or standing over a hot stove. Plus, making it in the Instant Pot frees you to make the rest of dinner while it’s cooking.

Rice A Roni in a green bowl with a platter of chicken in the background instant pot boxed rice

Making rice in the pressure cooker is similar to cooking rice in a rice cooker, except pressure cooking steams the rice with high pressure. This creates tender and flavorful rice each and every time!

My pressure cooker boxed rice recipe is perfect for those with a 3 quart Instant Pots (although this works equally well in the larger models!).

After owning a 6 quart Instant Pot for years, I purchased a smaller pot several months ago. I use it more than I ever imagined – it is the perfect size for side dishes like Rice-A-Roni and mashed potatoes, for making hard boiled eggs, and recipes like Salsa Chicken and Sour Cream Pork Chops. The smaller pot is about the same size as a sauce pan, and is dishwasher safe.

Ingredients Needed for Easy Instant Pot Rice-a-Roni

You can use any flavor of Rice-A-Roni that you want to make this delicious side dish. I like using the low-sodium Chicken version.

Here is everything you need to make the best boxed rice in the Instant Pot:

Rice-A-Roni – whichever flavor you like
Butter – or olive oil
Chicken broth – I recommend you use low sodium
Water

For a full-flavor version, use low-sodium chicken broth for all the water and broth mixture.

For a healthier side dish, add up to 1 cup of diced frozen vegetables.

How to Make Rice-A-Roni in An Instant Pot

This easy and delicious boxed rice recipe on requires 3 simple steps to prepare in the Instant Pot:

First, use the sauté function of the Instant Pot to cook heat the butter or oil. Add the rice and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden, stirring frequently. Press cancel to stop sautéing.
Now add the broth, water, and the package seasonings, and stir to combine with the rice. Close the lid and seal the vent valve. Set the pressure cooker to manual pressure cook for 5 minutes.
Then do a quick pressure release per your Instant Pot’s instructions. Use a spoon or fork to fluff the rice, and serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you cook Rice-A-Roni with veggies in the Instant Pot?

If you want to include frozen vegetables in this recipe, simple place on top of the rice just before adding the lid. No need to stir or adjust cook time!

What main dishes go well with Instant Pot Rice-A-Roni?

Pair this classic boxed rice side dish with Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins, Perfect Pan Seared Chicken Breasts, Salt and Pepper Squid, Buttermilk Brined Pork Chops, or Garlic Shrimp Scampi.

How do you store leftovers?

Transfer cooled Rice-A-Roni to a container with a lid, and keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave in 30 second bursts until warm, stirring between heating. You can also reheat on the stovetop in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.

Platter of chicken tenders with dipping sauces and rice-a-roni

Here’s the Full Recipe to Make Rice-A-Roni in the Instant Pot:

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