If you’re craving a comforting side dish that bursts with flavor, look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe. It’s an irresistible mix of creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the rich aroma of garlic that elevates simple rice to something truly special. Ideal for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without stress, this recipe brings together pantry staples to create a dish that’s both effortlessly delicious and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are incredibly straightforward but crucial to creating that perfect balance of richness, savoriness, and creaminess. Each one plays an important role, from enhancing the texture to layering flavors that make this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe such a standout.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Adds richness and helps toast the rice for a slightly nutty flavor.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): The star flavor that gives the dish its distinctive aromatic punch.
- Long grain rice (1 cup, rinsed and drained): Offers a fluffy, separate texture perfect for absorbing flavors.
- Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water (2 cups): Provides the cooking liquid, with broth adding extra depth.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts the savory profile subtly without overpowering.
- Granulated garlic (½ teaspoon): Reinforces the garlic flavor for a layered effect.
- Whole milk (4 tablespoons): Makes the rice creamy and luxurious.
- Shredded parmesan cheese (½ cup, plus extra for serving): Imparts a salty, nutty richness that defines this dish.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
- Parsley, green onions, or chives (optional garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook it until fragrant, which usually takes about a minute or so. This step helps release the garlic’s wonderful aroma and infuses the butter, forming the flavor base for your rice.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Add the rinsed and drained long grain rice to the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir and toast the rice for around 3 to 4 minutes. Toasting not only deepens the rice’s flavor with a subtle nuttiness but also helps keep the grains fluffy once cooked.
Step 3: Add Broth, Onion Powder, and Granulated Garlic
Pour in your choice of broth or water, then sprinkle in the onion powder and granulated garlic. Stir everything together to combine well. The broth provides a savory base, and the additional seasonings ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Resist the urge to peek too often—the steam trapped inside is key to perfectly cooked grains.
Step 5: Stir in Butter, Parmesan, and Milk
Remove the skillet from heat. Now add the remaining tablespoon of butter, the shredded parmesan cheese, and the whole milk. Stir vigorously until the rice becomes creamy and the cheese melts smoothly into the mixture. This step transforms the rice into a silky, cheesy delight.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Finally, season the rice with salt and pepper to your liking. For that extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions along with a little more parmesan on top. Your Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is now ready to serve hot and impress everyone at the table.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley, green onions, or chives not only brighten up the dish visually but also add a subtle fresh contrast to the creamy, cheesy rice. Don’t hesitate to sprinkle extra parmesan cheese for those cheesy bites that everyone loves.
Side Dishes
This rice pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Whether it’s grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, seared steak, or a hearty stew, the garlic parmesan rice acts as a flavorful and satisfying sidekick that complements almost any entree.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation pop by serving the rice in ramekins or small bowls molded into neat shapes. Drizzle with a little herb-infused oil or scatter toasted pine nuts on top for crunch. It’s a simple way to elevate your Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe for guests or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover garlic parmesan rice in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 3 to 4 days to enjoy the peak of flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this rice, too. Spread it onto a baking sheet to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the texture might be slightly softer after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the rice in a skillet with a little butter or a splash of milk to revive its creaminess. Avoid microwaving without moisture as the rice can dry out. Stirring frequently helps ensure even heating and that rich garlic parmesan flavor shines through.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of long grain white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but be aware that it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth accordingly and cook until the rice is tender to enjoy a nuttier, whole grain twist on this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap butter for olive oil or a dairy-free margarine, and use a plant-based milk and vegan parmesan alternative. While it changes the flavor slightly, it still delivers that comforting garlic rice experience.
Can I make this recipe without garlic powder?
Yes, while granulated garlic adds a deeper garlic flavor, you can omit it if you prefer a milder taste or don’t have it on hand. The fresh minced garlic will still provide plenty of that iconic garlic aroma and flavor.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or even plain water will work fine. Using broth just boosts flavor, but with the added seasonings and parmesan, the dish will still be delicious when made with water.
Can I add vegetables or proteins to this rice?
Definitely! Stir in cooked peas, spinach, or mushrooms for color and nutrition. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon can also be mixed in to make it a complete meal. Just be sure to adjust seasonings accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of creamy, garlicky, cheesy rice, and this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe delivers it in every spoonful. It’s simple enough for busy nights yet fancy enough to serve to friends. I hope you give it a try soon and experience firsthand how such few ingredients can come together to create something wonderfully delicious and memorable.
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Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe is a creamy, flavorful side dish that combines garlic, parmesan cheese, and tender long grain rice cooked in broth for a deliciously savory experience. Perfect as a comforting accompaniment to your favorite meals, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and requires minimal ingredients while delivering rich, cheesy goodness with a hint of fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long grain rice, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
Flavorings
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon minced 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
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Butter: 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 the garlic does not brown.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed and drained rice to the skillet with the garlic butter, stirring to coat. Toast the rice for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, which enhances the nutty flavor and helps keep the rice from sticking.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth (or alternative), then add the onion powder and granulated garlic. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Rice: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked, tender, and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese and Milk: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, shredded parmesan cheese, and whole milk until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Season and Garnish: Season the creamy rice with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or chives and additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when melting the butter to avoid bitterness.
- Rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch for fluffier cooked rice.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk for creaminess.
