Name: Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup long grain white rice; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 ounces chicken broth; 8 ounces whole milk; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that’s both irresistibly flavorful and delightfully simple, Garlic Parmesan Rice will become your new go-to comfort food. With its creamy, cheesy texture and hints of aromatic garlic, every bite promises to deliver a wave of savory satisfaction. Whether served as a standout side or as a quick main with a leafy salad, this recipe transforms humble pantry staples into an elegant, crowd-pleasing favorite.

Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Garlic Parmesan Rice lies in balancing just a handful of familiar ingredients. Each one plays a unique role, contributing either creaminess, aroma, or a pop of color to the final dish. Here’s what you’ll need, and why it matters:

Long grain white rice: This variety cooks up fluffy and separate, creating the perfect base that soaks up all that savory flavor.
Unsalted butter: It adds depth and richness, while also giving you full control over the salt content in the dish.
Fresh garlic, minced: Don’t skimp here! Real garlic infuses the rice with a warm, mouthwatering aroma.
Chicken broth: This brings more flavor than water alone; go for a good-quality broth or even homemade if you have it.
Whole milk: For that creamy, decadent texture you crave in restaurant-style rice.
Salt and pepper: Just enough seasoning to enhance without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Don’t use the pre-grated type; freshly grated melts so much better and delivers amazing sharpness.
Chopped fresh parsley: This adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color—absolutely worth the chop!

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Start by rinsing your long grain white rice under cold water in a fine mesh sieve. This simple step helps wash away excess surface starch, preventing your Garlic Parmesan Rice from turning gummy. Give the grains a few swishes until the water runs clear—trust me, it’s worth the minute or two for perfect texture!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it starts to foam, add your minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. Be careful not to brown it; you just want to coax out its gorgeous aroma and subtle golden tone. This is where your kitchen really starts to smell like heaven!

Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer

Quickly stir in the rinsed rice along with the chicken broth, whole milk, salt, and pepper. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer, then immediately cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. This mixture is what helps turn your rice creamy and ultra-flavorful as it cooks.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let your Garlic Parmesan Rice cook, undisturbed, for 18 to 20 minutes. Don’t be tempted to lift the lid! Leaving it closed uses all the steam and ensures the rice is perfectly tender and absorbs every drop of flavor.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Herbs

Once the cooking time is up, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. This is the moment where the dish becomes extra creamy and beautifully flecked with green—your patience is rewarded!

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

Grab a fork and gently fluff the Garlic Parmesan Rice to separate the grains and distribute all that cheesy, herby goodness. Serve it warm, and get ready for every spoonful to disappear faster than you expect!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Rice

Garnishes

A shower of extra parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley are classic finishing touches for Garlic Parmesan Rice. For a hint of luxury, consider a crack of black pepper or even a small drizzle of olive oil just before serving—these little tweaks can make every plate pop with color and flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with pretty much everything. Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or your favorite sautéed veggies. It plays especially nicely with lemony greens or seared asparagus for a bright contrast to the rich, creamy rice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try scooping Garlic Parmesan Rice into ramekins or even shaping it into little domes using a small bowl—so elegant! Or, spoon it into roasted bell pepper halves and bake for a cheesy, savory twist. The possibilities really are endless when your base is this delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Garlic Parmesan Rice into an airtight container as soon as it’s cool. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing its creamy texture or big flavor. Try to keep it away from anything too pungent in your fridge, as rice can pick up stray aromas.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Garlic Parmesan Rice! Spread it in a thin layer on a baking sheet to cool quickly, then freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll hold up well for about a month. Just remember that the texture might be a tad softer after thawing, but the taste will still shine.

Reheating

To bring your Garlic Parmesan Rice back to life, sprinkle with a little water or extra milk, cover, and gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. Give it a quick stir and add a pinch of fresh parmesan and parsley to recreate that just-made magic.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! You’ll just need to cook the rice a bit longer and use a bit more liquid. The finished Garlic Parmesan Rice will be slightly nuttier in flavor and wonderfully hearty.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You’ll still get loads of flavor and all the comfort you crave in this dish.

Can I use pre-grated parmesan?

While pre-grated parmesan will work in a pinch, grating your own is highly recommended for the best melt and flavor. The pre-grated stuff often has anti-caking agents, so it won’t melt as smoothly.

What’s the best way to double the recipe?

Doubling is a breeze—just scale up each ingredient and make sure your saucepan is large enough. The cooking time may increase slightly, so check to be sure your rice is tender before turning off the heat.

Can I add veggies or protein?

Absolutely! Stir steamed peas, sautéed mushrooms, or bits of cooked chicken or shrimp into the finished Garlic Parmesan Rice for a complete meal in a bowl. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Garlic Parmesan Rice, it’ll quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation. It’s the kind of dish that makes dinner special, whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself. Give yourself the pleasure of comfort in a bowl—your taste buds will thank you!

Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Garlic Parmesan Rice is a creamy and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. This recipe combines aromatic garlic, rich parmesan cheese, and fluffy white rice for a comforting and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 cup long grain white rice
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced

Additional Ingredients:

8 ounces chicken broth
8 ounces whole milk
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Rinse the rice: Under cold water using a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch.
Sauté garlic: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add ingredients: Stir in rinsed rice, chicken broth, milk, salt, and pepper. Simmer and cover.
Cook rice: Reduce heat and cook for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
Finish dish: Remove from heat, stir in parmesan cheese and parsley.
Serve: Fluff with a fork and serve warm.