Rice and Pasta Side Mixes Guide
Published 2026-10-29
Seasoned rice and pasta side mixes, the pouches and boxes in flavors like parmesan, cheddar broccoli, alfredo and chicken, are some of the easiest dinners in the pantry. They usually cook in about seven to ten minutes on the stove with water, milk or butter. On their own they are a side dish, but with one or two additions they become a complete meal for one or two people.
How to cook them well
Measure the water and milk exactly as the package says; too much liquid makes the sauce thin. Bring the liquid to a boil, stir in the contents, then simmer while stirring now and then so the pasta does not stick. Let the pot stand for a minute or two after cooking, as the sauce thickens as it cools slightly. Microwave directions are often included too.
Add protein
Stir in diced rotisserie chicken, drained canned chicken, cooked ground beef or turkey, sliced smoked sausage, canned tuna or cooked shrimp during the last couple of minutes. Cheesy pasta sides pair well with chicken and ham, while rice sides are great with sausage or leftover pork.
Add vegetables
Frozen peas, broccoli florets and mixed vegetables can cook right in the pot with the pasta or rice. Fresh spinach wilts into the hot sauce in a minute. Cheddar broccoli rice with extra broccoli and chicken is a simple, filling one-pot dinner. Canned corn or diced tomatoes with green chilies are other quick additions.
Make them go further
Combining two pouches with one pound of chicken and a bag of frozen vegetables feeds a family of four for about the same effort as one side dish. You can also spoon a cooked side mix into a baking dish, top with cheese and breadcrumbs and bake briefly for a quick casserole. Keep a few flavors in the pantry for nights when the plan falls through.
