If you’re a bit tired of pasta but still want a filling dish, turn to these rice-based dinners instead. From quick stir-fries to rich, hearty bowls, these recipes prove that rice can handle main course status with no problem. Easy to prep and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for when you want to mix up your weeknight routine.

A bowl of creamy seafood risotto topped with shrimp, scallops, and garnished with fresh parsley. The dish has a rich, orange hue, suggesting the presence of a savory sauce, and is set against a light background.
Photo credit: The Food Blog.
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Spicy Beef and Red Pepper Rice Bowl

Spicy beef and red pepper rice bowl topped with a fried egg over white rice.
Spicy Beef and Red Pepper Rice Bowl. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spicy beef and red pepper rice bowl keeps it easy and exciting with dried chilis and a runny egg on top. Perfect for nights when you want a little heat without a lot of hassle.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef and Red Pepper Rice Bowl

Tofu Fried Rice

Tofu Fried Rice. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tofu fried rice brings a takeout favorite to your table, with tofu and rice that’s easily customized with whatever veggies you’ve got on hand. A great choice for a meatless meal that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Greek Brown Rice Bowls

Greek Brown Rice Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Greek brown rice bowls load up all the gyro essentials—lamb, pickled onions, cucumbers, and feta. A great rice-based dinner that brings Greek flavors home.
Get the Recipe: Greek Brown Rice Bowls

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto with peas and mushrooms in a pot with wooden spoon.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy mushroom risotto with peas is rich without any dairy. Packed with flavor, this rice-based dish delivers comfort and a great depth of taste without going heavy on ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Farro Risotto

Farro Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Farro risotto with white beans and chicken broth makes a heartier, more flavorful take on classic risotto. Perfect for when you want a rice-adjacent meal that feels complete and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Farro Risotto

Bulgogi Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl)

Bulgogi Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl). Photo credit: Savory Sweet Spoon.

Bulgogi bibimbap keeps it interesting with marinated beef, crisp veggies, and a spicy-sweet kick—all over rice. Perfect for breaking the pasta routine, this one brings Korean flavor to the table without complicating dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Bulgogi Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl)

Spam Fried Rice

Spam Fried Rice. Photo credit: Savory Sweet Spoon.

Spam fried rice combines the boldness of Spam with seasoned rice, stir-fried to a golden finish. Done in just 15 minutes, this quick-fix meal is great for those nights when you’re short on time but want something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Spam Fried Rice

Bacon Fried Rice

Bacon Fried Rice. Photo credit: Delightful Plate.

Bacon fried rice mixes the punch of bacon with the ease of fried rice, using simple ingredients you probably already have. This dish is the perfect solution for when you’re looking for a rice-based meal with familiar flavors.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Rice

Vietnamese Chicken Rice

Vietnamese Chicken Rice. Photo credit: Delightful Plate.

Vietnamese chicken rice, or Cơm Gà Hội An, serves up shredded chicken tossed with coriander and lime, all over turmeric-infused rice cooked in chicken stock. This dish keeps things fresh and interesting, making it a great go-to when pasta feels overdone.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Chicken Rice

Vegetarian Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

Vegetarian Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice). Photo credit: Six Hungry Feet.

Vegetarian nasi goreng, an Indonesian favorite, tops fried rice with a sunny-side-up egg and fresh veggies. Traditionally a breakfast, this one also makes a great pick for a quick lunch or dinner, giving you that rice fix with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

Chicken Broccoli Rice

Chicken Broccoli Rice. Photo credit: The Clean Eating Couple.

This chicken broccoli rice skillet is a one-pan wonder, ready in under 45 minutes. Perfect for a fast and easy weeknight dinner, it’s loaded with wholesome ingredients and saves you from doing tons of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Rice

Palak Rice (Instant Pot Spinach Pulao)

Palak Rice (Instant Pot Spinach Pulao). Photo credit: Spice Up The Curry.

Palak rice, or spinach pulao, brings mild and familiar flavors together in a single pot. It’s a great lunchbox option for both kids and adults, made easily on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot.
Get the Recipe: Palak Rice (Instant Pot Spinach Pulao)

Mexican Beef Rice Skillet

Mexican Beef Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Grits and Pinecones.

This Mexican beef rice skillet is a one-pan meal that comes together quickly. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a hearty choice that’s big on flavor without demanding extra time.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Beef Rice Skillet

Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice

Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

Shrimp and chicken fried rice is your answer to weeknight dinner boredom. This protein-packed meal is ready in about 30 minutes, delivering those takeout vibes without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice

Hawaiian Loco Moco with Brown Gravy

Hawaiian Loco Moco with Brown Gravy. Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

Hawaiian loco moco brings together a burger patty over rice, smothered in brown gravy, topped with a fried egg. It’s comfort food at its finest and way easier than it sounds—perfect for when you want something filling and low-maintenance.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Loco Moco with Brown Gravy

Shiitake Mushroom Sushi Roll

Shiitake Mushroom Sushi Roll. Photo credit: The Fruity Jem.

This shiitake mushroom sushi roll is a simple, plant-based take on sushi, with hearty mushrooms, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumber. A great choice for a lighter dinner that still feels satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Shiitake Mushroom Sushi Roll

Eggplant Teriyaki Rice Bowl

Eggplant Teriyaki Rice Bowl. Photo credit: The Fruity Jem.

Eggplant teriyaki rice bowl is sticky, saucy, and packed with flavor. Add your go-to veggies, serve it over rice, and you’ve got a perfect bowl for any rice craving.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Teriyaki Rice Bowl

Arroz con Pollo

Arroz con Pollo. Photo credit: A Latin Flair.

Arroz con pollo combines juicy chicken and fluffy rice with Latin spices, all in one pot. Perfect for weeknights, this dish keeps you away from the sink with minimal cleanup while giving you a complete, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Arroz con Pollo

Singaporean Rice

Singaporean Rice. Photo credit: Chocolates & Chai.

Singaporean rice is a fusion dish with rice, noodles, and chicken in a spicy sauce. Great for a casual dinner that feels a bit adventurous without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Singaporean Rice

Creamy Mushroom Rice with Porcini

Creamy Mushroom Rice with Porcini. Photo credit: Food Nutters.

Creamy mushroom rice is ready in 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with a fresh side salad. Packed with the depth of mushrooms, it’s a great, no-fuss choice when you’re ready to skip pasta.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Rice with Porcini

Risotto Marinara

Risotto Marinara. Photo credit: The Food Blog.

Risotto marinara brings creamy tomato rice together with shrimp and scallops. While it takes some stirring, the end result is worth it—a great recipe for when you want a rice-based dinner with an Italian twist.
Get the Recipe: Risotto Marinara

Asian Black Rice Salad

Asian Black Rice Salad. Photo credit: Flavor the Moments.

This Asian black rice salad is packed with colorful veggies, juicy orange slices, and a ginger-orange dressing. A great, meal-prep-friendly side or main dish, it’s perfect when you want to shake things up with a rice-based salad.
Get the Recipe: Asian Black Rice Salad

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Photo credit: Spend With Pennies.

Chicken wild rice soup is loaded with tender chicken, mushrooms, and hearty veggies. It’s the perfect go-to for a comforting, filling meal that keeps rice in the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Copycat Panera Bread Baja Bowl with Chicken

Copycat Panera Bread Baja Bowl with Chicken. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

This homemade Baja bowl packs in brown rice, black beans, sweet corn, and creamy avocado. Topped with feta and a drizzle of Greek yogurt and salsa verde, it’s great for any weeknight you’re after a balanced meal that doesn’t take forever.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Bread Baja Bowl with Chicken

PF Chang’s Chicken Fried Rice

PF Chang’s Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

This homemade PF Chang’s chicken fried rice captures that restaurant feel with fragrant rice, tender chicken, and veggies. A crowd-pleaser that’s quick to whip up, it’s perfect for family dinners at home.
Get the Recipe: PF Chang’s Chicken Fried Rice

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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