Creative Pasta Recipes Designed for Rice Cookers

Why Use a Rice Cooker for Pasta?

We know, we know — using a rice cooker for pasta is unconventional. While it’ll probably take a lot to get used to, this weird cooking method might just become your new secret weapon. If you have a small kitchen or limited stovetop space, a rice cooker can be a valuable addition. It eliminates the need for a large pot and frees up stove burners for other cooking tasks.

Does boiling water usually take you a really, really long time? If so, it might be time to take rice cookers for a spin. Rice cookers typically have a faster cooking time compared to stovetop boiling, reducing the overall cooking time. Not only that, they also tend to offer additional functions like steaming, sautéing, and slow cooking. This means you can easily incorporate other ingredients like vegetables, meats, or sauces into your pasta dish.

Guidelines for Cooking Pasta in a Rice Cooker

First and foremost: choose the right type of pasta. Short and medium-sized pasta shapes work best in a rice cooker. Long pasta, like spaghetti or linguine, probably won’t fit properly. Consider pre-soaking the pasta — some types of pasta benefit from a brief soak in hot water before cooking. This helps to reduce the cooking time and ensures even cooking. If that’s not your thing, your next step is to measure the pasta, before adding it to the rice cooker along with water or broth. The general rule is to use 2 cups of liquid for every 1 cup of pasta. Add any desired seasonings or sauces to enhance the flavor.

Once everything is in the rice cooker, close the lid and select the appropriate cooking setting. For most rice cookers, the “white rice” or “quick cook” setting is suitable for pasta. Cook for the recommended time, usually around 10-15 minutes, before stirring the pasta gently to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid. Let the pasta rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.

Vegetarian Pasta Recipes for Rice Cookers

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Start by adding your desired amount of pasta into the rice cooker pot, along with minced garlic, butter, and vegetable broth. Close the lid. Let it cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors of garlic and broth. Once the pasta is cooked, add heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

Spinach and Artichoke Pasta

To make this dish, start by adding pasta, minced garlic, chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, and vegetable broth to the rice cooker pot. Close the lid and select the rice cooking function. Allow the pasta to cook until al dente and the spinach has wilted. Stir in cream cheese, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. The cream cheese will melt and create a tangy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. You can also add some red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Protein-Packed Pasta Recipes for Rice Cookers

Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta

This flavorful dish combines tender chicken, vibrant herbs, and zesty lemon for a refreshing and satisfying meal. To prepare, start by marinating boneless chicken breast in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. Then, add the marinated chicken, along with uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and a pinch of salt, to your rice cooker. In just a few minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked pasta with tender chicken infused with lemon and herbs. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of steamed vegetables.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta

This classic Italian dish features succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic-infused butter sauce served over a bed of linguine. Since linguine is a little long for a rice cooker, you’ll want to opt for something shorter. It won’t necessarily be “authentic,” but it’ll definitely taste good. To start, melt butter in your rice cooker and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add fresh or frozen shrimp, a splash of white wine, lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Close the lid and let the shrimp cook for a few minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Then, add uncooked pasta and chicken broth to the cooker, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Serve it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright and tangy finish.

Flavorful Pasta Recipes for Rice Cookers

Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta

Start by heating some olive oil in the rice cooker’s inner pot. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to infuse the oil with their aromatic flavors. Next, pour in canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and a touch of sugar to balance the acidity. Let the sauce simmer in the rice cooker until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

Once the sauce is ready, add your pasta of choice and enough water to cover it completely. The rice cooker will automatically adjust the temperature and cooking time, ensuring perfectly cooked pasta. Serve the spicy arrabbiata pasta with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Pasta

Start by rehydrating the sun-dried tomatoes in hot water until they become tender. Drain and chop them into bite-sized pieces. In the rice cooker’s inner pot, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and olive oil. Let them cook for a few minutes to infuse the oil with their rich flavors. Next, add your pasta of choice to the pot along with the water. Once the pasta is tender, stir in some fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness. Serve the sun-dried tomato and basil pasta with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. This rice cooker pasta recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also a breeze to make, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights.

Dessert Pasta Recipes for Rice Cookers

Cinnamon Sugar Pasta

Who says pasta can’t be a dessert? This sweet twist on traditional pasta is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. To make, simply cook your favorite pasta in the rice cooker according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the rice cooker. Add a generous amount of melted butter, along with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. Gently toss the pasta until it is coated evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

The result is a warm and comforting dessert-like pasta that is reminiscent of cinnamon toast. This unique dish can be enjoyed as a sweet treat or even as a breakfast alternative. So, next time you’re craving something sweet, give rice cooker cinnamon sugar pasta a try!

Chocolate Hazelnut Pasta Dessert

This unique recipe combines the rich flavors of chocolate and hazelnut with the comforting texture of pasta. To make chocolate hazelnut pasta dessert, start by cooking your preferred pasta in the rice cooker until it is al dente. Add a generous amount of chocolate hazelnut spread and stir until the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy goodness.

The heat from the rice cooker will melt the chocolate hazelnut spread, creating a luscious sauce that clings to every bit of pasta. Serve the chocolate hazelnut pasta dessert warm, garnished with some chopped roasted hazelnuts for added texture and flavor.