Sarra Ina Garten rice recipes go well beyond plain steamed sides, covering everything from creamy oven-baked risottos to hearty casseroles, spicy jambalaya, and even a rum-spiked rice pudding. These 13 tested favorites include golden shrimp paella, buttery Parmesan risotto, savory stuffed peppers, and a wild rice salad that holds up beautifully for make-ahead meals.
1. Baked Risotto
Arborio rice, chicken stock, and white wine bake together in the oven until the rice is tender and creamy, then get finished with a generous stir of Parmesan and butter. No standing at the stove stirring for 40 minutes here. Ready in about 55 minutes, this hands-off method makes weeknight risotto completely doable.
2. Spring Green Risotto
Bright asparagus, sweet peas, and wilted spinach are stirred into Arborio rice with leeks, Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon zest. Every spoonful is creamy, vibrant, and loaded with fresh spring vegetables. Done in about 55 minutes, this is the kind of risotto that makes a full meal on its own.
3. Shrimp Risotto
Plump shrimp are seared and nestled into Arborio rice that’s been slowly cooked with white wine, chicken stock, garlic, and butter until rich and velvety. The shrimp stay tender and the risotto gets a savory depth from the pan drippings. Ready in about 45 minutes, this is an impressive dinner that looks far more complicated than it is.
4. Easy Parmesan Risotto
Creamy Arborio rice simmers in chicken stock with white wine and gets finished with a full cup of grated Parmesan and butter for a rich, savory base. The recipe is deliberately simple so you can add peas, sautéed mushrooms, or whatever you like. Done in about 55 minutes, this is the risotto template you’ll come back to again and again.
5. Risotto Cakes
Crispy, golden panko-crusted cakes made from leftover risotto, Parmesan, scallions, and egg, pan-fried in butter and olive oil until crunchy on the outside and warm and creamy inside. These come together in just 20 minutes and turn yesterday’s leftovers into something entirely new. Serve them as a side or appetizer with a simple green salad.
6. Chicken and Rice Casserole
Boneless chicken, long-grain rice, sliced mushrooms, and heavy cream bake together in chicken broth under a blanket of melted cheddar cheese. The rice absorbs all the savory liquid and the top gets bubbly and golden. Ready in about an hour, this is a one-dish dinner that feeds a crowd with almost no effort.
7. Jambalaya
Andouille sausage and chicken thighs are browned and simmered with rice, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, celery, and a kick of cayenne and paprika. The rice cooks right in the spicy broth, soaking up all the smoky, savory flavor. Done in about an hour and ten minutes, this one-pot meal is bold, hearty, and feeds a big table.
8. Shrimp Paella
Saffron-infused chicken stock, Arborio rice, and smoked paprika form the golden base, topped with shrimp, red bell peppers, and diced tomatoes. The bottom layer of rice gets slightly crispy and caramelized while the shrimp stay plump and tender on top. Ready in about 50 minutes, this is a stunning centerpiece dinner straight from the stovetop.
9. One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
Ground beef, long-grain rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, and bell peppers cook together in chicken broth with warm spices and get topped with melted cheese. Everything simmers in one pot, so the rice soaks up all the savory, slightly spicy liquid. Done in about 50 minutes, this is weeknight comfort food with almost zero cleanup.
10. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful bell peppers are hollowed out and packed with a filling of ground beef, cooked rice, tomato sauce, Parmesan, and mozzarella, then baked until the cheese is bubbly and golden. The peppers soften just enough to hold their shape while the filling stays savory and rich. Ready in about an hour and ten minutes, these are a classic dinner that never gets old.
11. Stuffed Cabbage
Tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a filling of ground beef, ground turkey, cooked rice, garlic, and parsley, then slow-simmered in a sweet-and-sour crushed tomato sauce. The rolls get more flavorful the longer they braise and taste even better the next day. Ready in about an hour and a half, this is old-school comfort food at its most satisfying.
12. Wild Rice Salad
Nutty wild rice is tossed with dried cranberries, toasted pecans, celery, and red onion in a bright orange juice and white wine vinegar dressing. The sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans play off the earthy rice in every bite. Ready in about 25 minutes, this salad holds up perfectly in the fridge and travels well to potlucks and picnics.
13. Rum Raisin Rice Pudding
Golden raisins soaked in dark rum are folded into Arborio rice that’s been slowly simmered in whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until thick and custard-like. Every spoonful is warm, creamy, and laced with boozy sweetness. Done in about 45 minutes, this is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a cold night.
