Name: Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked); 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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There’s something absolutely magical about gathering simple ingredients and transforming them into a dish that feels both comforting and gourmet, and that’s exactly what you get with this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe. Everything you love about classic risotto and buttery garlic comes together in a single, fluffy pot of rice that promises to steal the spotlight on any dinner table. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, elegant enough for guests, and effortless enough for anyone to master on the very first try.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s truly amazing how much flavor you can coax from just a handful of pantry staples when you combine them in the right way. Each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe plays a pivotal role, whether it’s adding richness, subtle spice, or that final pop of color.

Olive oil: Adds a light, fruity base for sautéing the garlic and rice, ensuring everything toasts up beautifully without sticking.
Unsalted butter: Brings a creamy richness that pairs perfectly with the Parmesan and helps toast the rice just right.
Fresh garlic (minced): The superstar of this dish—use freshly minced garlic for the best, boldest flavor.
Long grain white rice (uncooked): The perfect texture for this recipe, staying fluffy and absorbing all that garlicky goodness.
Chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Infuses the rice with savory depth; use your favorite broth for the most flavor.
Salt: Enhances every bite—adjust to your taste, especially if your broth is already salted.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For that irresistible creamy, cheesy finish; freshly grated is best for full flavor and melt.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Brightens up the dish with color and a hint of freshness—totally worth it if you have some on hand.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil and unsalted butter together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, toss in your minced garlic. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. This is the moment when your kitchen begins to smell absolutely irresistible—be careful not to brown the garlic, as that can introduce bitterness.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Add the uncooked long grain white rice right to the pan with the garlicky butter. Stir for another 1 to 2 minutes. This toasting step is what gives the Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe its lovely nutty undertones and guarantees each grain will turn out flavorful and fluffy.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth

Next, pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth, add the salt and black pepper, and give everything a gentle stir. Increase the heat and bring your pot to a boil, then immediately reduce to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it all simmer quietly for 15 to 18 minutes. The rice should become perfectly tender as it absorbs all those savory, garlicky flavors.

Step 4: Let It Rest

When the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, take the saucepan off the heat but leave it covered. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes—this little pause lets any remaining moisture even out and ensures the rice will be perfectly fluffy, not gummy.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Finish

Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains, then add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together while it’s still warm so the cheese melts right in, resulting in a lusciously creamy texture with every bite. Finish with chopped parsley if you like a pop of green, and serve the Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe straight from the pot.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Garnishes

A generous shower of freshly chopped parsley brings a splash of color and a gentle brightness to this already flavorful dish. If you’re feeling decadent, try shaving on a few extra ribbons of Parmesan or adding a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for a finishing touch.

Side Dishes

The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is how effortlessly it pairs with just about anything. Serve it alongside roasted or grilled chicken, baked fish, or seasonal vegetables. It’s wonderfully comforting next to a simple green salad or a medley of roasted veggies for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make things a little more special, try scooping the rice into small bowls and topping each with sautéed mushrooms or a handful of sweet peas. For a playful twist, stuff the rice into roasted bell peppers, or layer it into a grain bowl for a nourishing lunch that goes way beyond basic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe keeps well for up to four days and makes wonderful leftovers you’ll be grateful to find in your fridge.

Freezing

This rice surprisingly holds up well to freezing! Portion into single-serve containers, allow to cool, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a quick comfort meal, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your rice back to life, warm it gently in a saucepan or microwave with a splash of broth or water to restore its creamy texture. Give it a good stir and, if you like, add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving to freshen up the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can! Just note that brown rice will take a bit longer to cook and might need slightly more broth. The result is earthier but still delicious and just as comforting.

Is it possible to make this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth, swap the butter for a plant-based version, and use your favorite vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for that cheesy finish. You’ll still end up with a seriously satisfying dish.

What’s the best method to prevent my rice from getting sticky?

Be sure to toast the rice in the garlic butter mixture as directed, and avoid lifting the lid while it simmers. Letting the rice rest once the heat is off also helps to keep it fluffy and separate.

Can I add extra vegetables or protein?

This Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is incredibly flexible. Sautéed mushrooms, peas, spinach, or diced chicken make excellent additions—just stir them in near the end so everything is heated through without getting soggy.

How can I make it creamier?

For an extra-creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or whole milk when you add the Parmesan, or toss in a bit of cream cheese for a lush, risotto-like texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a side that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort, you can’t beat this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone around the table, ready for seconds. Once you try it, I have a hunch it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too!

Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a flavorful and creamy side dish with this Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe. The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese elevates simple white rice into a delicious accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, coating the rice in the garlic butter mixture.
Pour in the chicken broth, add salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk with the Parmesan.
You can also add sautéed mushrooms or peas for extra flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American