Instant Pot Rice A Roni

5 from 9 votes

Make easy and flavorful Instant Pot Rice A Roni with this quick recipe! Perfectly tender and hands-off, it's the ideal side dish for busy nights.

Prep Time5

Cook Time5

Time to bring pot to pressure5

Total Time15

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Side Dish, rice, rice a roni instant pot

Servings: servings

Calories: 214kcal

Set pressure cooker to sauté and add butter or oil to the pot. Once pot is ready, add rice and sauté until the rice begins to turn golden (3-5 minutes). Press cancel to end sauté.
Add broth, water, and seasonings to rice and stir to mix. Close and seal lid, turn vent to seal (if needed). Set pot manually to high pressure for 5 minutes.
Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning or pressing the pressure release button (refer to your pot's instructions). Fluff the rice by stirring before serving.

Don’t skip sautéing the rice and pasta in butter before pressure cooking. This step adds a rich, nutty flavor that makes your instant pot rice a roni taste even better and gives it that classic, toasted finish.
If you’re swapping in your own pantry staples like long grain white rice or trying instant pot brown rice, make sure to adjust the liquid slightly. Brown rice, in particular, will need more broth and a longer cooking time to achieve the right texture.

Recipe Variations:

- Switch up the rice: While this recipe uses the classic boxed mix, you can make your own pantry version using white rice and orzo pasta. Choose long grain white rice for the best texture. This homemade option lets you control the seasoning and adjust to your taste.

- Add extra flavor with spices: For a more savory touch, stir in a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper before pressure cooking. These pantry staples boost the overall flavor without any extra effort.

- Try different rice options: Want something a little heartier? Swap the white rice for instant pot brown rice. Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook, so be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for perfect results.

- Mix in cheese or fresh herbs: Once cooked, stir in shredded cheese for a creamy twist or sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Both are easy ways to make your instant pot rice a roni even more satisfying.

Storing Instructions:

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.