This vegan rice-a-roni copycat recipe is pure nostalgia! With its savory, buttery flavor, fluffy texture, and hint of parsley and aromatics, it's sure to become a favorite. With stovetop and Instant Pot instructions, you'll love this easy vegan rice dish.
Place a large pot over medium heat. Melt the butter, and add the broken pasta pieces and rice, and stir to coat. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes or until the rice is fragrant.
Add the remaining ingredients to the pot, and bring to a simmer. Stir the rice, cover the pot, and reduce heat to low. Cook until the broth has been absorbed, about 15 minutes (refer to the cooking instructions for the particular type of rice you're using). Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes. Fluff with a fork, and serve.
Instant Pot instructions:
Using the sauté function on your Instant Pot, melt the butter. Add the broken pasta pieces and rice, and stir to coat. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes or until the rice is fragrant.
Add the remaining ingredients to the pot and stir to combine. Cancel the saute function. Lock on the lid, and set to sealing. Cook at high pressure for 4 minutes. Carefully quick release the pressure, and remove the lid. Fluff with a fork, and serve.
Notes
Type of Rice to UseWhite basmati or long grain rice create the most authentic tasting rice-a-roni copycat dish.I haven't tested this dish with brown rice. If you choose to use brown rice, you may need to omit the pasta because their cook times are so different. For brown rice be sure to increase the cook time accordingly - about 45 minutes on the stove or 22 minutes (high pressure) in the Instant Pot. Vegan Chicken Broth OptionsI used 2.5 cubes of Edward & Son's Not-Chicken Bouillon dissolved in 4 cups hot water. Other options are Ocean's Halo No Chicken Broth or Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor.Or make your own broth with this quick and easy broth powder recipe. Use 3 tablespoons of the powder to 4 cups of water.StorageStore leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Can also be frozen for extended storage.