12 Quick Weeknight Rice Dinners

One-Pan Shrimp and Rice

A quick, delicious meal that's perfect for busy nights, combining juicy shrimp with fluffy rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add shrimp seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook until pink, then remove from skillet.
3. Add rice and chicken broth to the skillet, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Return shrimp to the skillet and cook until everything is heated through.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

A zesty and herbaceous dish that brings vibrant flavors to your dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add chicken, and season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Once the chicken is browned, add rice and chicken broth to the pan.
3. Pour in lemon juice and stir well; bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until rice is cooked.
5. Fluff rice, serve with a garnish of lemon zest.

Vegetable Fried Rice

A versatile and healthy meal packed with colorful veggies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 eggs lightly beaten
• 2 green onions, sliced

Cooking method:

1. In a large wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
3. Push veggies to the side and scramble the eggs in the same wok.
4. Add cooked rice, soy sauce, and green onions; stir well.
5. Continue to stir-fry until everything is heated through.

Cajun Sausage and Rice

Spicy, smoky, and utterly satisfying, this dish is a quick fix for any craving.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking method:

1. Heat oil in a skillet, add sausage slices, and cook until browned.
2. Stir in bell pepper and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 2 minutes.
3. Add rice and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Fluff rice before serving.

Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowl

Sweet and savory, this bowl is bursting with flavor and ease.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 cup rice
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 cup broccoli florets

Cooking method:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan and cook chicken until golden brown.
2. Add broccoli and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour in teriyaki sauce, stir well, and remove from heat.
4. In a separate pot, cook rice with water until fluffy.
5. Serve the chicken and broccoli over rice.

Coconut Curry Rice

A delightful fusion of creamy coconut and spicy curry, perfect for a quick dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Bring coconut milk to a simmer in a saucepan.
2. Stir in rice, curry powder, and salt.
3. Add chickpeas and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is cooked.
5. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Beef and Broccoli Rice

A classic dish made quick and simple with hearty beef and bright broccoli.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef strips
• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup broccoli, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan, add beef, and cook until browned.
2. Add broccoli and soy sauce; sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in rice and beef broth; bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Serve warm and enjoy.

Spanish Rice with Chorizo

A flavor-packed, fiery rice dish that brings the taste of Spain to your home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 1/2 pound chorizo, sliced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Olive oil for frying

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan, add chorizo slices, and cook until crispy.
2. Stir in rice, tomatoes, smoked paprika, and chicken broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes until rice is cooked.
5. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Pineapple Fried Rice

Tropical and tantalizing, this dish is both sweet and savory in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup cashew nuts
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Cooking method:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add pineapple, cashews, and turmeric; sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in rice and soy sauce, mixing thoroughly.
4. Cook until rice is heated through, serve immediately.

Mushroom Risotto

Creamy and comforting, this dish is perfect for a cozy evening meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter

Cooking method:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan, add onion, and cook until translucent.
2. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden.
3. Stir in rice and white wine, cook until wine is absorbed.
4. Gradually add broth, stirring constantly, until rice is creamy and tender.
5. Serve hot.