Parmesan Garlic Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Parmesan Garlic Rice elevates plain rice with the richness of butter and Parmesan, plus the aromatic punch of garlic and onion powders. It’s creamy without being heavy, versatile, and quick to prepare, making it a go-to side for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The optional fresh herbs add a lovely fresh note, balancing the savory flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat the grains in the butter and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
3. Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth/water) and stir in the onion powder, granulated garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, whole milk, and shredded Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.
6. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or chives if desired. Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use half-and-half or cream instead of milk for a richer dish.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or peas for extra texture and flavor.
• Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a different taste.
• Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or basil alongside the garnish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Parmesan Garlic Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but cooking time will be longer and you may need more liquid.

Can I use water instead of broth?

Yes, but broth adds more flavor to the rice.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and can be made a day ahead.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?

Use a nonstick pan or stir occasionally while cooking.

Can I add other spices?

Yes, smoked paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning work well.

How do I make the rice creamier?

Add more butter or milk/cream when finishing the dish.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan melts better and offers fresher flavor.

Can I freeze leftover rice?

Yes, but texture may change slightly upon thawing.

How do I make the rice fluffier?

Fluff rice gently with a fork after cooking and before adding butter and cheese.

Conclusion

Parmesan Garlic Rice is a creamy, flavorful, and versatile side dish that elevates everyday rice with rich butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Simple to make and delicious, it pairs beautifully with a wide range of meals and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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