Homemade Rice-A-Roni

We are a big fan of Rice-A-Roni in this house, but I am not a big fan of the junk they put in it. So, when I found a recipe somewhere on the web (I don't remember where) for the homemade variety, you better believe I gave it a try! I was expecting something that tasted at least similar, but my rice-a-roni tasted exactly like the store kind, only better! (I served it with chicken and steamed broccoli.) I'm interested in finding a way to do the different varieties we like, especially the Spanish Rice one which we always add a can of black beans and a can of diced tomatoes to. Yum....

Homemade Rice-A-Roni

1/2 cup raw angel hair pasta broken into 1/2" long pices

3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

2 cups broth (I use Swanson because it doesn't have MSG, but you can also use your own homemade kind!)

1 cup water

2 Tbsp. butter or margarine

1/4-1/2 tsp. seasoning salt

dash of pepper

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 chicken bouillon cube (or you can use the Better Than Bouillon paste which doesn't have MSG or nitrates in it - I am in love with that stuff!)

In a medium skillet, sauté the broken pasta pieces and rice in the butter, stirring constantly until the pasta begins to brown. Carefully pour in broth, water, spices and bouillon cube. Cover and simmer on medium-low, stirring occasionally, until liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes. Serve hot with your choice of veggies and chicken.

I took a whole package of the angel hair pasta and broke it up in advance so that when I make it in the future I don't have to sit there breaking up pasta for a dish that's supposed to be quick. I keep it in a quart mason jar. Sorry I don't have a picture of the actual rice-a-roni, but do try it. It's really tasty!