Creamy Parmesan Rice makes for the perfect easy side dish. This creamy garlic parmesan rice recipe is so good, that you will want to ditch boring plain rice for good! This easy rice side dish goes with just about any main dish!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
When it comes to side dishes I like them to be easy, full of flavor and compliment the rest of the meal. This creamy garlic parmesan rice recipe is one that I have made for years and not only is it simple to make but it compliments so many main dishes too.
This parmesan rice recipe is made from basic ingredients that you probably have in your kitchen pantry already and is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It takes under 30 minutes to make, and can cook while making your main dish or protein or seafood and the veggies side dish.
Plain white rice is boring, and to be honest, if I put it on the dinner table,many times it would still be there once dinner was over. A good risotto like my parmesan risotto would be devoured, however, it takes to much time to make from scratch on busy weeknights. So my solution is this easy side dish recipe that is full of flavor and goes with just about anything.
My favorite thing about risotto is the creamy and cheesy texture of the one I love to make. I wanted a rice recipe that was easy to make, and had a similar flavor. This parmesan garlic rice was my solution.
Rice Side Dish Recipes
Looking for more tasty rice side dish recipes? Then be sure to check these out!
What Is Garlic Parmesan Rice?
Garlic parmesan rice is a quick and easy to make rice side dish that is loaded with the flavors of garlic and parmesan cheese. This creamy rice recipe is a delicious variation of plain rice that easily pairs with many main dishes.
What to Serve with Parmesan Rice
This simple rice side dish recipe pairs so well with so many main dishes.
Chicken. Pairing Parmesan rice with chicken offers a delicious combination of flavors. Here are some pork recipes that would complement Parmesan rice nicely:
- Feta Stuffed Chicken
- One Pan Baked Chicken and Veggies
- Baked Parmesan Chicken
- Garlic Chicken Meatballs
- Parmesan Chicken Wings
Pork. Pairing Parmesan rice with pork offers a delicious combination of flavors. Here are some pork recipes that would complement Parmesan rice nicely:
- Ranch Pork Chops
- Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Apples
- Instant pot Pork Tenderloin With Gravy
- Pork Meatloaf
- Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
Beef. Pairing Parmesan rice with beef offers a delicious combination of flavors. Here are some pork recipes that would complement Parmesan rice nicely:
Seafood. Pairing Parmesan rice with seafood offers a delicious combination of flavors. Here are some pork recipes that would complement Parmesan rice nicely:
Variations of Creamy Parmesan Rice Recipe
Use broth. To make things easier and more likely for people to have the ingredients on hand for this recipe I use water and milk in this recipe. However you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth to give it even more flavor.
Change up the rice. I use plain white rice for this recipe, you can use jasmine rice or any other long grain rice when making it, you may need to adjust the cook time a little bit so keep an eye on it when it is cooking.
Tips for Making Parmesan Rice
Tender rice. It is important to make sure your rice is tender before you reduce the heat and add the cheese.
Rinse the Rice. This is optional, and I am known to skip it but it does make the rice cook better. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice grains.
Add Parmesan Cheese while the rice is warm. Once the rice is cooked, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese while the rice is still hot. The residual heat will melt the cheese and distribute its flavor throughout the dish. Use good quality Parmesan for the best taste.
Garnish. Before serving, garnish the Parmesan rice with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs like parsley for a beautiful presentation.
How to Store leftovers
Let the leftover Parmesan rice cool down to room temperature. Transfer the cooled leftover Parmesan rice to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Leftover Parmesan rice should be consumed within 3-4 days.
How to reheat Leftover Parmesan Rice
When reheating leftover Parmesan rice, add a splash of water or broth to the rice to prevent it from drying out. You can reheat it in the microwave, covered, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, reheat it on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Ingredients
- Butter. Real butter is important when you are making this recipe. You do not want to use any fake butter.
- Minced garlic. Fresh garlic is best for this recipe. If you are using pre-chopped garlic when making this flavored rice I strongly recommend you double the amount of garlic because the pre-chopped garlic has a milder flavor that is also on the sweet side.
- white rice. You can use jasmine rice or any other long grain rice.
- water. You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth to give it even more flavor
- milk.
- salt.
- Parmesan cheese. You can use jarred parmesan cheese, however, I much prefer shredding or grating fresh parmesan cheese when I am making this cheesy rice recipe.
How to Make Parmesan Rice
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook until it is translucent.
Stir in the rice and let it cook for an additional minute.
Add in the water, milk, and salt, and bring to a boil.
Cover the sauce pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender. While the rice is cooking if you are using fresh parmesan cheese, shred or grate the parmesan cheese.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and use a fork to fluff the rice.
Stir in the parmesan cheese.
Cover the saucepan with the lid and let it sit for 4-5 minutes for the cheese to melt fully into the rice.
Easy Side Dish Recipes
Creamy Parmesan Rice
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 cup white rice uncooked
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook until it is translucent.
- Stir in the rice and let it cook for an additional minute.
- Add in the water, milk, and salt, and bring to a boil.
- Cover the sauce pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender. While the rice is cooking if you are using fresh parmesan cheese, shred or grate the parmesan cheese.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and use a fork to fluff the rice.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese.
- Cover the saucepan with the lid and let it sit for 4-5 minutes for the cheese to melt fully into the rice.
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Comments & Reviews
Julie says
Can this recipe be used with minute rice?
Stephanie says
I dont belive so
Lea Covington Rowen says
This rice was delicious! Very easy and absolutely delicious!