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

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If you’re craving a side dish that’s both cozy and elegant, this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine fluffy, buttery rice infused with mellow garlic and a generous shower of parmesan, all crowned with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s creamy, full of flavor, and ready in about 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress at dinner. Whether you’re serving it alongside juicy grilled chicken or a platter of roasted veggies, the Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe never fails to delight.

Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is how it turns a handful of pantry staples into something truly special. Each ingredient has its own moment to shine, building layers of richness and comfort you’ll taste in every bite.

Butter: Adds a silky texture and just the right amount of richness to the rice.
Olive oil: Helps sauté the garlic and keeps the butter from browning too quickly.
Garlic: The star of the show! Freshly minced garlic infuses the rice with irresistible aroma and depth.
Long-grain white rice: Stays fluffy and separate, so each grain is perfectly tender and never mushy.
Low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Infuses the rice with savory flavor—use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty, cheesy goodness that melts beautifully into the hot rice.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness of the cheese.
Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors—just be mindful if your broth or cheese is already salty.
Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of green and freshness that brightens the final dish.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Start by heating your butter and olive oil together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter melts, toss in the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about a minute—just until the garlic smells amazing but hasn’t started to brown. This gentle sauté draws out all the sweet, savory notes of the garlic without any bitterness.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Add the long-grain rice straight into the garlicky oil. Stir it around for 1 to 2 minutes, letting the grains get lightly toasted and coated in that fragrant mixture. This step gives your Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe a subtle nutty undertone and helps keep the rice fluffy.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then crank up the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. As soon as it bubbles, turn the heat down low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. The rice will slowly absorb all that savory broth, becoming perfectly tender and full of flavor.

Step 4: Rest and Fluff

Once the rice has soaked up all the liquid, take the pan off the heat and let it sit, still covered, for about 5 minutes. This little pause lets the steam finish cooking the rice, so it’s light and fluffy when you lift the lid. Use a fork to fluff the grains—never a spoon!—which keeps the texture airy.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan

While the rice is still hot, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt to taste. The cheese should melt right in, creating a silky, cheesy coating on every grain. If you want to go even richer, add a splash of cream or a dollop of cream cheese. Top with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, then dive in while it’s warm.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, try a shower of extra grated Parmesan, a bit of cracked black pepper, or a handful of chopped parsley. A drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors, making each bite sing.

Side Dishes

This versatile Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is fabulous with almost anything. Pair it with grilled chicken, roasted shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meal. It also plays well next to roasted vegetables, simple green salads, or crispy tofu for a vegetarian feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop the rice into small ramekins and turn them out onto plates for a fun, restaurant-style presentation. Or serve it family-style in a big, colorful bowl, topped with extra herbs and cheese so everyone can help themselves. For a weeknight upgrade, stir in baby spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

If you want to stash some Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe for later, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

To bring your rice back to life, add a splash of water or broth and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This keeps it moist and fluffy, and the flavors will be just as vibrant as day one.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and might need a bit more broth. The nutty flavor works beautifully with garlic and Parmesan.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The result is just as delicious and perfect for vegetarian meals.

Can I make this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe dairy-free?

You can! Use your favorite dairy-free butter substitute and a vegan Parmesan-style cheese. The rice will still be flavorful and creamy.

How can I make it even creamier?

Try stirring in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese just before serving. This will make the rice extra luscious and decadent.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Add a tablespoon or two of water or broth before reheating, and cover the dish to trap steam. This helps the rice stay moist and fluffy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s easy, comforting, and delivers maximum flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe truly checks every box. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a regular star on your dinner table!

Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish combining aromatic garlic, creamy Parmesan cheese, and tender long-grain rice. Perfect as an accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or seafood, it offers a rich yet light taste with a touch of fresh parsley for garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

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

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Instructions

Heat fats and garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
Toast the rice: Stir in the rice and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast it, enhancing its flavor and texture.
Add broth and cook: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Rest the rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming and develop fluffiness.
Mix in cheese and seasoning: Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt to your taste.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese just before serving.
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or shrimp.
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian or adapt for other diets.
Be careful not to brown the garlic to avoid a bitter taste.

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