18 Easy and Delicious Dinner Ideas Featuring Rice

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Rice is one of those magical ingredients that can transform into almost anything—and these easy, rice-based dinners prove it. From creamy risottos to savory one-pot meals, this collection has something for everyone. Perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family meals, these recipes bring flavor, simplicity, and versatility to your table. Whether you’re craving a hearty chicken and mushroom rice or a zesty paella, you’ll find a dish here that’s not only satisfying but also effortlessly delicious. Get ready to turn that bag of rice into a dinner masterpiece!

Easy Mushroom Rice Pilaf

Mushroom rice pilaf in a serving dish with the lid behind it.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

A fantastic one-pot rice dish is just as delicious the next day. It’s a side dish that the whole family will love!

Get The Recipe: Mushroom Rice Pilaf

One Pot Chicken & Chorizo Paella

One Pot Chicken & Chorizo PaellaOne Pot Chicken & Chorizo Paella

This one-pot paella recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic Spanish dish. Succulent chicken stars alongside savory chorizo sausage, all nestled in a bed of fragrant saffron rice. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Spanish cuisine.

Get The Recipe: One Pot Chicken & Chorizo Paella

Easy Salmon and Pea Risotto

Easy Salmon and Pea Risotto on a white dish with a fork next to it.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Say goodbye to tedious stirring with our simple Salmon and Pea Risotto! Toss everything together and let it simmer until creamy and delicious—no fuss required.

Get The Recipe: Easy Salmon and Pea Risotto

One Pot Sausage and Rice

A plate of sausage and rice featuring Southern Recipes flair, with rice, sausage, peppers, tomatoes, and green onions garnished with herbs. A fork is placed to the side on a white surface.Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

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

Easy Saffron Risotto

a close up image of The cooked Saffron Risotto in a black pan with a wooden spoonImage Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

The luxurious flavor of saffron forms the base, while the lemon zest, parsley, and Parmesan cheese add a delightful finishing touch. Feel free to get creative and customize it with your favorite vegetables or seafood for a truly personalized dish.

Get The Recipe: Easy Saffron Risotto

Mexican Soup

a bowl of Mexican soup topped with Guacamole and sour cream.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Delight your palate with this flavorful Mexican Soup, crafted with fresh vegetables and spices to create a delicious one-pot meal.

Get The Recipe: Mexican Soup

Chicken and Yellow Rice

A skillet filled with yellow rice mixed with shredded chicken and garnished with herbs—a tried-and-true recipe that's sure to be a hit. A blue spoon rests on the side of the pan.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Turn your leftover chicken into something amazing with our tasty Chicken and Yellow Rice recipe! This easy, one-pot dish breathes new life into your ingredients, making sure nothing goes to waste. Enjoy a delicious meal with minimal hassle!

Get The Recipe: Chicken and Yellow Rice

Broccoli, Lemon, and Shrimp Risotto

a dish of a dish of Shrimp Risotto with Broccoli.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Don’t let the word “risotto” intimidate you! This Easy Lemon Shrimp Risotto is a weeknight wonder that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Risotto

Best Ever Fried Rice

a close up of Best Ever Fried Rice in a white bowlImage Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Weeknight magic in 20 minutes! This best-ever fried rice recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.

Get The Recipe: Best Ever Fried Rice

Shrimp Risotto

A dish piled high with yellow rice, asparagus and plump shrimp.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Enjoy the bright flavors of spring in this simple risotto, crafted with care using stock, saffron, asparagus, and parsley. It’s a hassle-free, no-stir risotto ideal for effortless weeknight dinners.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Risotto

Weeknight Paella

A plate of bright yellow saffron rice topped with chorizo and shrimp.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This one-pot, simple Paella recipe uses Shrimp, Chorizo, and savory saffron rice. It’s a wonderful, easy meal that is full of flavor. 

Get The Recipe: Weeknight Paella

Italian Style Rice

A bowl of Italian Style Rice bursting with roasted vegetables ready to eatImage Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is a celebration of both flavor and health! Tender rice is combined with an array of roasted vegetables, creating a satisfying dish packed with nutrients and Mediterranean flair. It’s a perfect vegetarian option that’s both light and delicious.

Get The Recipe: Italian Style Rice

Chicken Corn Chowder

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Look no further than this Chicken Corn Chowder. This simple recipe combines juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and sweet corn in a rich and comforting broth – a delicious one-pot meal that’s sure to warm you from the inside out.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Corn Chowder

Roasted Tomato Risotto

Use up your summer tomatoes with this recipe for Roast Tomato and Pea Risotto from Erren's Kitchen. This Italian classic is finished off with a splash of balsamic vinegar and grated Parmesan.Roast Tomato & Pea Risotto

This Roasted Tomato Risotto recipe transforms them into a creamy and delicious dish, perfect for a fuss-free weeknight dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Get The Recipe: Roasted Tomato Risotto

A close up image of a pan of Scallops & Chorizo Paella.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Bring the vibrant flavors of Spain to your kitchen with this one-pot wonder! Spanish sausage and saffron-infused rice create a delightful and authentic taste experience, all conveniently cooked in a single pot.

Get The Recipe: Easy One Pot Scallops & Chorizo Paella

5-Ingredient Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup in a bowl ready to be enjoyed.Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Whip up this rich and comforting Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup in no time! With just 5 ingredients and a few clever kitchen hacks, it’s the perfect go-to meal for busy days.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

Presenting a delicious Instant Pot Stuffed PeppersPhoto credit: The Cookie Rookie

Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers are the ultimate all-in-one healthy dinner that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Packed with flavor and sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

Mujadara (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

How to make Mujadara -a flavorful, vegan Moroccan meal w/ lentils, rice & fragrant Moroccan spices. Can be made in the Instant Pot or stovetop. Photo credit: Feasting at Home

Discover how to make Mujadara, a delicious, vegan Moroccan dish bursting with flavor! Packed with lentils, rice, and aromatic Moroccan spices, this hearty meal is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to whip up using either an Instant Pot or stovetop—your choice!
Get the Recipe: Mujadara (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

Chicken & Mushroom Risotto

A close up image of a pan of chicken and mushroom risotto sprinkled with grated cheese and parsley.Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe elevates classic risotto with the addition of juicy chicken and earthy mushrooms. The resulting dish is a delightful blend of creamy textures and savory flavors, sure to please any crowd.

Get The Recipe: Chicken & Mushroom Risotto

Browse More Easy Recipes

Mushroom and Bacon Risotto in a white bowl scattered with fresh herbs.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Discover a variety of easy weeknight dinner ideas, from casseroles and stir-fries to pastas and slow-cooker meals. Save time in the kitchen while serving up dishes your family will love!

Browse More Easy Recipes

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