introduction
Since I was very young, cooking has always held a special place in my life. My name is Adam, and it was alongside my mother that I discovered the magic of flavors and homemade dishes. This Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe captures that same comfort. It blends simple pantry items into a rich, garlicky side dish.
People search for this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe when they want an easy weeknight side or a quick dinner centerpiece. In this article you will learn what the dish is, why it works, and how to make this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe step by step. If you like bold garlic and creamy cheese, this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe will become a staple. For another garlic-parmesan twist on a sandwich, try this garlic Parmesan cheeseburger idea.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick, creamy, and savory rice dish infused with garlic and Parmesan, perfect as a weeknight side or a centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice (about 200 grams)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chicken broth (about 500 ml)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and toast for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add salt and black pepper, and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
Use a tight-fitting lid and warm broth to prevent soggy rice. Adjust cooking times if using brown rice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
why make this recipe
The Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe offers strong savory flavor with little fuss. It tastes rich and buttery. It cooks fast. You can use basic ingredients you probably already have. Long-grain rice absorbs the garlic and Parmesan for steady flavor in every bite. This Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe fits busy evenings. It pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
People search for this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe because they want comfort without complex steps. If you fear soggy rice, this recipe shows timing to keep grains fluffy. If you want bold garlic without being overpowering, this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe balances garlic and cheese. It also adapts well. Make it with vegetable broth for a vegetarian side. Add mushrooms or peas for a main. The Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe answers common needs: quick, tasty, and reliable.
how to make Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Begin by preparing your ingredients and measuring your rice and broth. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Toasting the rice in butter helps create a nutty flavor and keeps the grains separate. When you sauté the garlic, watch closely. Garlic can burn in seconds, and burnt garlic gives bitterness instead of aroma. Add the rice and stir so each grain gets coated in butter and garlic oil. Pour in warm chicken broth to keep the cooking temperature steady.
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and cover. Do not lift the lid during cooking. Steam cooks the rice evenly. After 15 to 18 minutes the rice will absorb the broth and become tender. Let the pan rest off the heat for five minutes to finish steaming. Fluff the rice with a fork.
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley right before serving. The cheese melts and binds the grains without making the rice gluey. For a complete meal, use this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe as a base and top with roasted shrimp or seared chicken. For an alternate garlic main, pair it with these spinach garlic meatballs for a comfort plate.
Ingredients
Long-grain rice: 1 cup (about 200 grams)
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated
Butter: 2 tablespoons
Chicken broth: 2 cups (about 500 ml)
Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
Each ingredient plays a clear role in this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe. Long-grain rice gives separate, fluffy grains. Garlic adds aromatic punch. Parmesan provides umami and a creamy finish. Butter carries the flavors and helps toast the rice. Broth adds depth and keeps rice moist.
Parsley brightens the dish and cuts through richness. For swaps, use vegetable broth to make this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe vegetarian. Try olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version. If you like creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or a tablespoon of mascarpone with the Parmesan. Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting in this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe.
Directions
Gather your ingredients.
Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes.
Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and toast for 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth, add salt and black pepper, and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Follow these tips for perfect results. Use a tight-fitting lid so steam does not escape. Keep broth warm before adding to the rice to avoid a temperature drop that can extend cooking time. Resist the urge to stir while the rice simmers; stirring releases starch and can make the rice sticky. If the rice is still firm after 18 minutes, add a few tablespoons of hot broth and cook for another two minutes. These small steps will make this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe turn out consistently.
how to serve Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Serve this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe hot and fluffy. It pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats. Spoon it next to pan-seared salmon or baked chicken. Turn the Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe into a bowl by topping with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of olive oil. For a holiday side, add sautéed mushrooms and toasted pine nuts. The texture should be tender but not mushy.
The flavor will be savory and garlicky with a bright herb finish. If you want a saucier dish, fold in a spoonful of cream or a ladle of pan sauce from roasted meat. For an easy family dinner, pair the Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe with this sticky garlic chicken noodle dish for a garlic-forward menu that everyone will enjoy: sticky garlic chicken noodles.
how to store Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Cool leftovers quickly. Transfer the Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe to a shallow airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, place cooled rice in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to revive moisture. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between cycles and adding a little liquid as needed. Do not leave this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe at room temperature for more than two hours to avoid bacterial growth.
tips to make Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Use high-quality Parmesan and grate it fresh for the best finish. Toast the rice until it smells nutty to add depth. Keep the heat low during the simmer to avoid burning the bottom. If you want a brighter garlic note, add one clove of raw minced garlic when you stir in the cheese.
For herb variation, try basil instead of parsley. Measure your rice and broth by weight if you can. That precision makes this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe turn out the same every time. If your rice turns out sticky, reduce stirring during cooking next time and use a fork to fluff instead of a spoon.
variation (if any)
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice: Add 1/4 cup cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese when you stir in the Parmesan. The result will be rich and almost risotto-like while still keeping quick prep similar to this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe.
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Rice: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice when you add the parsley. The citrus brightens the Parmesan and lifts the garlic.
Mushroom Garlic Parmesan Rice: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms in butter until golden. Stir them into the rice with the Parmesan for an earthy main-dish side.
Herbed Vegetable Garlic Parmesan Rice: Fold in cooked peas, carrots, and corn for a colorful side that makes this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe a one-dish option for picky eaters.
Spicy Garlic Parmesan Rice: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic to give the Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe a mild kick.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice for this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe?
Yes. Use a 2:1 ratio of broth to brown rice and increase simmer time to 40-45 minutes. Expect a chewier texture.
How do I prevent the rice from being mushy in this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe?
Rinse the rice, toast it briefly, use a tight lid, and avoid stirring while it simmers. Measure liquid precisely.
Can I make this Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe without Parmesan?
You can. Substitute grated Pecorino Romano or a blend of cheeses, or omit cheese and boost butter and herbs for flavor.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is simple, tasty, and flexible. It works for busy weeknights and special dinners. Try one of the variations to match your meal. For another take on this recipe, see I Wash You Dry’s Garlic Parmesan Rice for a slightly different method. If you want a quick creamy option, check Barber Foods’ Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice for inspiration. For a buttery, simple twist that focuses on garlic and butter, read Easy Weeknight Recipes’ Garlic Butter Parmesan Rice.