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It’s so easy to get perfectly cooked Rice-a-Roni from the Instant Pot. Just sauté rice and add water for delicious rice that comes out just right every time!

Rice-A-Roni in Instant Pot

Do you love Rice-a-Roni? This quick & easy side dish cooks up so well in the instant pot, you’ll never make it on the stovetop again. Just sauté the rice in some butter and then add water to cook the rice on high pressure.

I like to set the Rice-A-Roni up in the instant pot and then prepare other side dishes or cook the main course while the instant pot does its thing. I trust that the rice will cook up in a few minutes with the ideal texture and tons of flavor.

Love to make your side dishes in the instant pot? Try these easy recipes: Instant Pot Frozen Brussels Sprouts, Instant Pot Great Northern Beans, and Instant Pot Fresh Steamed Spinach.

How To Make Instant Pot Rice-a-Roni

First you’re going to sauté the rice, to give it extra flavor. Press the “sauté” button on the instant pot and add 1 Tablespoon of butter.

Once butter is melted, add the rice to the instant pot. Be careful to remove the seasoning packet from the package before you pour the rice in.

Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next you’re going to fully cook the rice with the seasoning packet and water.

Hit “cancel” on the instant pot. Add water and seasoning packet to instant pot. Give it a stir to mix it all up. Add lid to instant pot.

Flip valve to sealing pressure and press “high pressure” on instant pot. Set for 5 minutes.

Once instant pot is done cooking, quick release the steam. Remove top of instant pot and scoop out rice into serving bowl. So much easier than cooking on the stove top!

Cooking Tips

Let the butter melt before adding rice into to sauté
Keep stirring while sautéing to cooking rice evenly
Once rice is fully cooked, you can add toppings or mix-ins, like cooked veggies or sesame seeds.

What is the Ratio of Water and Rice for Cooking Rice-a-Roni in the Instant Pot?

1:1. For every cup of rice you cook, you will need to add one cup of water. For this recipe (containing a package of Rice-a-Roni), you will need a cup and a half of water.

How Long Does Rice Take To Cook in the Instant Pot?

Just 15 minutes– much faster than a traditional rice cooker. And only 12 minutes if you sauté the rice in butter first, as this recipes instructs.

What To Serve With Instant Pot Rice-a-Roni

Hearty main dishes like Air Fryer Filet Mignon Steak and Bone-In Chicken Breast taste delicious with Rice-a-Roni! A truly filling meal.

Or serve it alongside some fresh veggies like Zucchini Radish Salad or Parmesan Pea Salad for a complete meal. Yum!

Interested in More Easy Side Dishes in the Instant Pot?

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