14 Unforgettable Rice Dishes To Add To Your Meal Plan

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Rice is more than just a side; it’s the foundation of so many incredible meals from all around the world. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy one-pot dinner like sausage and rice, or something more refined like lemon shrimp risotto, this list has it all. With 14 diverse recipes, you’ll discover creative ways to bring rice to life as the star of your meal. Grab a pot, and let’s get cooking!

Lemon Chicken & Rice Bake

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Whip up this one-pan wonder made from scratch with fresh ingredients. It’s a crowd-pleasing feast all in a pan.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Chicken & Rice Bake

Lemon Shrimp Risotto

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This no-stir Risotto recipe makes a creamy risotto with lemon, shrimp, and veggies bursting with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Shrimp Risotto

Best Ever Fried Rice

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Restaurant-worthy in 20 minutes! This easy homemade fried rice with egg is a flavor bomb on a plate.

Get The Recipe: Best Ever Fried Rice

Chicken and Yellow Rice

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This delicious Chicken and Yellow Rice recipe offers an easy one-pot meal solution, ideal for making the most of any leftover chicken.

Get The Recipe: Chicken and Yellow Rice

Hamburger and Rice

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This Homestyle Hamburger and Rice Skillet is a quick and easy weeknight dinner packed with flavor and comfort.

Get The Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Mushroom Rice Pilaf

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This rice dish is your weeknight savior! Packed with savory mushrooms, it’s the perfect side dish ready in a flash.

Get The Recipe: Mushroom Rice Pilaf

Weeknight Paella

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Craving a taste of Spain? This Weeknight Paella delivers big flavor in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!

Get The Recipe: Weeknight Paella

Salmon and Pea Risotto

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This easy risotto features tender salmon, and vibrant peas simmered together for a quick and flavorful meal.

Get The Recipe: Salmon and Pea Risotto

Vegan Fried Rice

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Craving takeout flavors? Skip delivery! This veggie-packed fried rice is stir-fried to perfection with a savory sauce in just 30 minutes.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Fried Rice

Italian Style Rice

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Craving comfort food with a twist? This combines roasted vegetables and fluffy rice with a burst of Italian flavors. Enjoy it as a vegetarian main course or a flavorful side dish.

Get The Recipe: Italian Style Rice

Chicken Plov

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This flavorful rice dish layers tender chicken with fluffy rice, all simmered together in a fragrant broth. Exotic spices, fruits, and nuts add a touch of magic to this traditional Uzbek creation.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Plov

Classic Rice Pilaf

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Tired of plain white rice? This versatile Rice Pilaf takes center stage alongside chicken, fish, or any protein you choose. Packed with flavor, it’s a delicious upgrade to any meal.

Get The Recipe: Rice Pilaf

One Pot Sausage and Rice

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This one-pot Sausage and Rice is a flavor-packed masterpiece! Smoky, savory sausage meets sweet, colorful bell peppers and fluffy, tender rice in a dish that’s bursting with bold spices and just the right amount of heat. Every bite is a delicious adventure you won’t want to miss!

Get The Recipe: One Pot Sausage and Rice

Restaurant Style Red Mexican Rice

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You’re just 30 minutes away from the perfect Mexican rice! Packed with flavor, it’s the ultimate sidekick for tacos, enchiladas, or whatever you’re cooking up.

Get The Recipe: Restaurant Style Red Mexican Rice