5 Quick and Easy One-Pot Rice Meals for Family Gatherings

Elevate family gatherings with these quick and easy one-pot rice meals, from comforting risottos to flavorful paellas. Perfect for bringing everyone together, these dishes make for simple and delicious dinners!

1. Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

Indulge in the creamy goodness of our first recipe, the Chicken and Mushroom Risotto. This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and Arborio rice for a comforting meal that’s bound to be a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast, diced
• Mushrooms, sliced
• Arborio rice
• Chicken broth
• White wine
• Parmesan cheese
• Onion, minced
• Garlic, minced
• Butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in butter until softened.
2. Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
3. Stir in Arborio rice and cook until translucent.
4. Pour in white wine and let it simmer.
5. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly.
6. Once the rice is cooked, add mushrooms, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

Continue reading for more one-pot rice meal inspiration!

2. Vegetable Paella

For a colourful and hearty option, try our Vegetable Paella – a vibrant one-pot rice dish that’s loaded with a variety of vegetables and infused with aromatic saffron.

Ingredients:

• Arborio rice
• Vegetable broth
• Bell peppers, diced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Artichoke hearts, quartered
• Red onion, sliced
• Saffron threads
• Garlic, minced
• Smoked paprika
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
2. Add sliced red onion and cook until softened.
3. Stir in Arborio rice and smoked paprika.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and add saffron threads.
5. Arrange bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and artichoke hearts on top.
6. Cover and let it simmer until the rice is cooked.

3. Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya

Transport your family to the flavors of New Orleans with this Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya. Packed with a medley of spices, succulent shrimp, and savory sausage, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• Andouille sausage, sliced
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Rice
• Onion, diced
• Bell peppers, chopped
• Celery, diced
• Tomatoes, diced
• Chicken broth
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté sliced Andouille sausage in olive oil until browned.
2. Add diced onion, bell peppers, and celery; cook until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning.
4. Add rice and diced tomatoes, then pour in chicken broth.
5. Once rice is cooked, fold in shrimp and cook until pink.
6. Season with salt and pepper, and serve up this spicy and flavorful Jambalaya.

4. Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetable Rice Bowl

For an Asian-inspired twist, try the Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetable Rice Bowl. This quick and delicious one-pot meal features tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce over a bed of fluffy rice.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs, diced
• Mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
• Rice
• Soy sauce
• Teriyaki sauce
• Ginger, grated
• Garlic, minced
• Sesame oil
• Green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sear diced chicken in sesame oil until browned.
2. Add mixed vegetables, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
3. Pour in a mixture of soy sauce and teriyaki sauce.
4. Stir in cooked rice until everything is well-coated.
5. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

5. Tomato and Spinach Orzo Pilaf

Bring a touch of Mediterranean flair to your table with this Tomato and Spinach Orzo Pilaf. The combination of orzo pasta, fresh tomatoes, and spinach creates a light and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family gathering.

Ingredients:

• Orzo pasta
• Fresh tomatoes, diced
• Spinach leaves
• Vegetable broth
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon zest for freshness

Instructions:

1. Sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent.
2. Add orzo pasta and cook until lightly toasted.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, spinach, and chopped basil.
5. Cook until orzo is tender and vegetables are wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with lemon zest, and serve this refreshing Tomato and Spinach Orzo Pilaf.