The “San Francisco Treat” is a favorite boxed side dish for many. Unfortunately, you can’t have it because you’re gluten free. Guess what? You can make Homemade Gluten Free Rice a Roni! This copycat recipe is easy to make at home with ingredients you have in the pantry.
Is Rice a Roni Gluten Free?
Rice a Roni is not gluten free. The “roni” part of this packaged side dish contains small pieces of pasta noodles or orzo pasta. The pasta and some other ingredients in the product contain wheat, making it unsafe for those following a gluten free diet or that have Celiac Disease.
How to Make Gluten Free Rice a Roni
Making this recipe at home is easy. You most likely have all the ingredients in your pantry. Both the directions and cooking time for the homemade version are similar to the store bought variety.
Recipe Tips
The Pasta Pieces – About 2 ounces of gluten free spaghetti will make around ½ cup of broken pieces. I find it easiest to take a small handful of dried pasta and either break it over a measuring cup or small bowl. Pieces about ½”-1 will work.
Fresh vs Dried Herbs and Spices – Dried herbs and spices are used in the package mix so that’s what I am using in this recipe. You could certainly use some fresh onion, garlic and parsley in your version.
The MSG – Monosodium Glutamate, more commonly known as MSG sounds like it may contain gluten but it does not. It is a common food additive derived from the amino acid glutamate. MSG is an ingredient in boxed Rice a Roni and is a flavor enhancer. Using MSG in the homemade version is optional. If you don’t have any you can find it online. If you prefer not to use the ingredient, simply leave it out.
Maybe you miss store box Rice a Roni. Maybe you’re just looking for an easy side dish with rice. Whatever the reason is, this Gluten Free Rice a Roni recipe is one to try.
More Gluten Free Recipes with Rice
Gluten Free Breakfast Fried Rice – This is a recipe that gives you a new way to eat eggs, sausage and bacon. This recipe is great for leftover rice.
2 Ingredient Garlic and Herb Rice – This rice is full of flavor and so simple to make. Two ingredients is all you need for this easy side dish recipe.
Stick of Butter Rice – A flavorful, easy gluten free side dish that is made in the microwave and cooks perfectly.
Sausage and Rice Casserole – An easy gluten free dinner recipe that’s comforting to eat. Use Italian or Breakfast Sausage and your favorite rice!
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Gluten Free Rice A Roni
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Gluten Free Spaghetti broken into small pieces and equaling ½ cup.
- ¾ Cup White Rice
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth
- 2 Tbs Unsalted Butter
- 1 tsp. Dried Parsley
- ¼ tsp. Garlic Powder
- ¼ tsp. Onion Powder
- ½ tsp. Salt
- ⅛ tsp. Black Pepper
- ⅛ tsp. MSG, (optional)
- 2 Tbs. Fresh Parsley, Chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the broken pasta to the saucepan and stir and sauté for 3-5 minutes until it browns.
- Add rice to sauce pan and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes to toast rice.
- Add chicken broth and herbs and spices (except for the fresh parsley) and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover, reduce to low and cook for 15-17 minutes until the rice and pasta is tender and has absorbed the broth.
- Stir in fresh parsley if using.
- Serve and Enjoy.
Video
Notes
- The Pasta Pieces – About 2 ounces of gluten free spaghetti will make around ½ cup of broken pieces. If find it easiest to take a small handful of dried pasta and either break it over a measuring cup or small bowl. Pieces about ½”-1 will work.
- Fresh vs Dried Herbs and Spices – Dried herbs and spices are used in the package mix so that’s what I am using in this recipe. You could certainly use some fresh onion, garlic and parsley in your version.
- The MSG – Monosodium Glutamate, more commonly known as MSG sounds like it may contain gluten but it does not. It is a common food additive derived from the amino acid glutamate. MSG is an ingredient in boxed Rice a Roni and enhances the flavor. MSG in the homemade version is optional. If you don’t have any or prefer not to use the ingredient, leave it out.
