If you’re looking to elevate a simple side dish into something irresistibly flavorful, this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is about to become your new kitchen staple. Creamy, cheesy, and infused with the perfect punch of garlic, this recipe brings together everyday ingredients in a way that transforms plain rice into a comforting, crowd-pleasing delight. Whether you’re serving it alongside a weeknight dinner or bringing it to your next family gathering, this dish balances savory richness with a tender, fluffy texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe calls for a handful of ingredients that are simple yet essential. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, creating a creamy texture, and adding just the right splash of color to your plate.
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided: Butter adds rich creaminess and helps toast the rice to deep, nutty perfection.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic infuses an aromatic boost that’s at the heart of this recipe’s irresistible taste.
- 1 cup long grain rice, rinsed and drained: Rinsing removes excess starch, ensuring fluffy, separate grains every time.
- 2 cups chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water: Broth adds savory depth; water works as a neutral base to let other flavors shine.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: This subtly sweet spice enhances the garlic without overpowering it.
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic: A little extra garlic flavor to complement the fresh minced garlic.
- 4 tablespoons whole milk: Milk gives the rice a luscious, creamy finish without heaviness.
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, more for serving: Parmesan is the star ingredient, contributing a sharp, savory tang and creamy texture.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten the flavors.
- Parsley, green onions, or chives, optional garnish: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and light herbal freshness to the dish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. As soon as the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it just until it becomes fragrant and golden, being careful not to let it burn. This releases the full aroma and forms the flavorful base of your dish.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Next, add your rinsed and drained long grain rice to the skillet. Stir the rice around in the garlicky butter for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to toast lightly. This step enhances the rice’s nuttiness and improves the final texture by creating a slight barrier for steam absorption.
Step 3: Add Liquid and Spices
Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth or water) along with the onion powder and granulated garlic. Stir everything together well to combine. These aromatics, along with the broth, form the rich cooking liquid that flavors the rice deeply as it absorbs.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let the rice cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the rice to soak up all that flavorful broth until it’s tender and perfectly cooked. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep the steam trapped.
Step 5: Add Final Creamy Touches
Once the rice is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, shredded parmesan cheese, and whole milk. Mixing these ingredients at this stage creates a silky, creamy consistency and enriches the cheesy flavor that makes this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe so addictive.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Finally, season your rice with salt and pepper according to your taste. For an added burst of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped parsley, green onions, or chives along with an extra handful of parmesan cheese before serving hot. This simple garnish makes all the difference!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or fresh chives adds a gorgeous green contrast to the creamy white rice, while a little extra parmesan cheese on top gives that perfect salty finish. These garnishes enhance both the presentation and the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seared salmon, roasted vegetables, or even a hearty stew. Its rich and savory flavor is the perfect companion to proteins and sides with bolder spices or herbal notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this rice in small ramekins or hollowed-out bell peppers for an eye-catching presentation. You can also mix in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes when stirring in the parmesan for a colorful, flavorful twist that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic parmesan rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep it from drying out, add a splash of broth or milk before reheating to retain its creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this rice, but the texture might change slightly once thawed. For best results, freeze it in a portioned container or freezer bag, making sure to press out as much air as possible. It will stay good for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of broth, milk, or butter to restore moisture and creaminess. Stir frequently until heated through. You can also microwave it with a damp paper towel over the bowl to keep the rice tender.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice in the Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe?
Brown rice can be used; however, it will require longer cooking times and possibly more liquid. Adjust cooking times accordingly and be mindful that the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is it okay to use water instead of broth?
Absolutely! Water works fine if you want a lighter or less salty dish. To maintain full flavor, consider adding a pinch of extra seasoning like garlic powder or a bouillon cube.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine, and use a plant-based milk alternative. Nutritional yeast can be a great substitute for parmesan if you want to keep that cheesy flavor without dairy.
How do I get the rice to be fluffy and not mushy?
Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch, which helps keep the grains separate. Also, use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and avoid stirring the rice during cooking to maintain fluffiness.
Can I add vegetables to the Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe?
Definitely! Adding cooked vegetables like peas, spinach, or roasted bell peppers can add color, nutrition, and texture to this rice dish, making it more of a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is truly a gem that transforms simple rice into a creamy, flavorful side that complements a wide variety of dishes. It’s quick to make, satisfying, and packed with the kind of flavor that feels like a warm hug. Give it a try soon; it might just become your go-to recipe for family dinners and special occasions alike.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a quick and flavorful side dish featuring tender, perfectly cooked long grain rice infused with garlic and parmesan cheese. Cooked on the stovetop and finished with butter and milk, it offers a rich, comforting texture and taste that’s ideal for pairing with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup long grain rice, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- 4 tablespoons whole milk
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parsley, green onions, or chives, optional garnish
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed and drained long grain rice to the skillet. Stir continuously and toast the rice for 3-4 minutes until it becomes lightly golden, enhancing its nutty flavor.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth or water), then add ½ teaspoon onion powder and ½ teaspoon granulated garlic. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice cook for 10-15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Dairy: Remove the skillet from heat, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, and 4 tablespoons of whole milk. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and cheese has melted completely.
- Season and Garnish: Season the rice with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or chives if desired, and a sprinkle of additional parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch for fluffier texture.
- Adjust the liquid amount based on the rice brand and type for best results.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adding the dairy off heat prevents cheese from becoming grainy.
- Garnishes like fresh herbs add color and an extra layer of flavor.
