This Garlic Parmesan Rice is super easy to whip up and packs a ton of flavor! With the goodness of garlic and the cheesy touch of Parmesan, it’s a perfect side dish for any meal.
I can never resist stealing a spoonful straight from the pot—it’s just that good! Try pairing it with chicken or veggies for a yummy combo. You’ll be making this again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Long-Grain White Rice: This rice is great for a fluffy texture. You can swap it with jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly.
Chicken Broth: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works perfectly! It still adds great flavor. For a lighter taste, you can even use water, but I recommend broth for depth!
Butter: While I love the flavor of butter, olive oil is a good alternative if you’re dairy-free. It will still give the rice a nice richness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brightens up the dish. If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder—about 1 teaspoon should do the trick. But fresh is always better!
Parmesan Cheese: Any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano can be used if you don’t have Parmesan. Nutritional yeast is a fantastic substitute for a cheese flavor if you’re vegan.
How Do I Get the Rice Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the rice just right can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it! Rinsing is really key—it removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming gummy.
- Use a fine-mesh strainer to rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear.
- When you sauté the rice with garlic and butter, it adds flavor and ensures even cooking.
- Keep the lid on while simmering! This traps steam and cooks the rice perfectly.
- After cooking, let it rest covered. This final step helps the rice grains firm up and separate.
By following these steps, your Garlic Parmesan Rice will come out fluffy and delicious every time!
Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Parmesan Rice will take about 25-30 minutes to make—15 minutes for cooking the rice and about 10-15 minutes for preparation! It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect as a side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Rice:
First, rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, helping to keep the rice fluffy.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Let it melt gently but don’t let it brown!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells wonderful, but be careful not to let it brown.
4. Toast the Rice:
Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring to coat it with the butter and garlic mix. Cook for 1-2 minutes, just enough to give the rice a light toast.
5. Add Broth and Cook:
Next, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes. This will allow the rice to absorb the liquid and become tender.
6. Let It Sit:
When the rice is done cooking, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This helps the rice finish cooking and become perfectly fluffy!
7. Fluff and Mix:
After the resting time, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. The cheese will melt beautifully into the warm rice, giving it a creamy texture.
8. Season and Serve:
Last but not least, season the rice with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve it warm, garnished with extra parsley for a pop of color and freshness!
This creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Rice is a fantastic side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or seafood. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires about 40-45 minutes of simmering. Make sure to check the package instructions and add extra liquid if needed!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Butter?
Absolutely! You can substitute olive oil or any other vegetable oil for butter. It will still give the rice a nice flavor while keeping it dairy-free.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or warm it on the stove with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Rice?
Yes! Feel free to stir in some cooked veggies like peas, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if adding raw vegetables—steam or sauté them first until tender before mixing them in.
