If you love comforting, flavorful side dishes that come together quickly and please a crowd, this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is your new best friend. With tender, buttery grains infused with rich garlic and the nutty goodness of parmesan cheese, it elevates plain rice into something absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish adds a cozy, indulgent touch anytime you want an easy, delicious meal addition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the luscious butter that creates the base, to the fragrant garlic and creamy parmesan that bring depth and richness, every item is chosen to harmonize beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided: Adds richness and a silky texture, with part used for sautéing garlic and the rest stirred in for creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Provides the essential punch of garlicky flavor that permeates every grain of rice.
- 1 cup long grain rice, rinsed and drained: Ensures fluffy, separate grains with the perfect bite.
- 2 cups chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water: Cooking liquid that infuses the rice with savory depth, broth preferred for maximum flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes without adding texture, blending seamlessly into the rice.
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic: Boosts the garlic flavor subtly and evenly throughout the dish.
- 4 tablespoons whole milk: Adds a touch of creaminess that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, more for serving: Delivers the signature salty, nutty punch that makes this recipe truly special.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten the flavors.
- Parsley, green onions, or chives, optional garnish: Adds fresh color and a mild herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich rice.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter and Cook Garlic
Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant—about 1 minute. This gentle cooking releases the garlic’s aroma and infuses the butter, forming the flavorful base of your rice.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Add the rinsed and drained long grain rice directly into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toast the rice for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Toasting helps bring out a subtle nuttiness and also ensures the rice cooks up fluffy rather than sticky.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in your choice of 2 cups of broth or water, depending on your preference and what’s on hand. Then sprinkle in the onion powder and granulated garlic. Give everything a good stir to combine the seasonings evenly and help the rice start cooking in flavorful liquid.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Check at the 10-minute mark—your rice should be tender and have absorbed all the liquid by the end of cooking.
Step 5: Finish the Rice
Once the rice is cooked through, remove the pan from heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter, shredded parmesan cheese, and whole milk. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the rice lives up to its creamy, velvety promise.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Toss in freshly chopped parsley, green onions, or chives for a pop of color and brightness. Serve the rice warm, sprinkled with extra parmesan if you like, for an utterly delicious finish.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, green onions, or chives not only add a splash of vivid green color but also provide a delicate freshness that cuts through the richness of the garlic parmesan rice. A little extra shredded parmesan on top adds an inviting visual appeal and boosts the cheesy flavor with every bite.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe pairs beautifully with just about any protein. From roasted chicken and grilled steak to sautéed shrimp or a simple vegetable stir-fry, the creamy, garlicky rice is the perfect canvas. It also works as a comforting bed for hearty stews and sauces, soaking up every bit of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family dinner or even a more elegant gathering, try mounding the rice in small ramekins and inverting them onto a plate for a graceful presentation. You can also mix in roasted vegetables or cooked mushrooms for a colorful twist that adds texture and extra nutrients to the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To preserve its creamy texture, store with a small pat of butter or a splash of milk mixed in before sealing up.
Freezing
You can freeze this rice, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Pack it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen Garlic Parmesan Rice is best used within 1 month for optimal flavor and creaminess.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the rice in a skillet over low heat or microwave it with a damp paper towel covering the dish to keep moisture in. Add a little milk or broth as needed to refresh its creamy consistency and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Long grain rice is recommended because of its fluffy texture, but you can use jasmine or basmati rice as a substitute. Just adjust cooking time as needed since different rices absorb liquid differently.
Is it necessary to rinse the rice before cooking?
Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps prevent the dish from becoming gummy. It’s a simple step that improves the final texture dramatically, so it’s definitely worth doing for this recipe.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Swap butter for a plant-based spread, use vegetable broth, and choose a vegan parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast to keep those cheesy flavors alive without dairy.
What if I don’t have granulated garlic or onion powder?
Fresh garlic will dominate the flavor, but if you’re missing powder seasonings, you can add a little finely minced onion and an extra pinch of garlic powder or even garlic salt carefully to taste.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! Just use a larger pan with a lid and double all ingredients. Keep an eye on the liquid absorption and cooking time, as it might take a bit longer to fully cook the increased quantity.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s one of those special dishes you’ll find yourself returning to again and again because it’s so satisfying and versatile. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how effortlessly delicious a simple rice dish can be!
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Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe is a creamy, flavorful side dish made with fragrant garlic, Parmesan cheese, and tender long grain rice cooked in savory broth. Perfectly buttery and cheesy, it makes a comforting accompaniment to any meal and can be easily customized with fresh herbs for garnish.
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
Optional Garnish
- Parsley, green onions, or chives, optional garnish
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Cook Garlic: In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Toast Rice: Add the rinsed and drained long grain rice to the skillet and toast it for 3-4 minutes while stirring frequently. This helps enhance the rice’s flavor.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth or water), then add the onion powder and granulated garlic. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Rice: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 10-15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Finish Rice: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, the shredded Parmesan cheese, and whole milk until the rice becomes creamy and well coated.
- Season and Serve: Season the rice with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or chives if desired, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot alongside your favorite main dishes.
Notes
- Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for a fluffier texture.
- Use chicken broth for richer flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Adjust salt according to the saltiness of the broth and Parmesan cheese.
- Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or green onions add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- This rice is best enjoyed immediately but can be reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
