Zesty Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe: Simple & Tasty Magic

Steaming hot and packed with rich, savory garlic parmesan rice that melts in your mouth, this dish promises pure comfort on a plate.

Aromatic herbs and golden parmesan cheese create a symphony of flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Each forkful brings a delightful combination of creamy texture and robust seasonings.

The simple ingredients blend together effortlessly, turning ordinary rice into an extraordinary side dish.

Perfectly seasoned and incredibly easy to make, this recipe works magic with just a few pantry staples.

Home cooks and busy professionals alike will love how quickly this rice comes together.

Dive into this delectable recipe and let the irresistible aroma guide you to culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5min

Cook Time: 20min

Total Time: 25min

Calories: 318 kcal

Servings: 5

Garlic Parmesan Rice Ingredient Overview

• Rice: Choose long-grain white rice for the best fluffy texture and consistent cooking results.
• Chicken Broth: Select low-sodium broth to control salt levels and enhance natural flavor profile.
• Milk: Whole milk provides creamy richness and helps create smooth, velvety rice consistency.

• Garlic, Parsley: Fresh ingredients transform ordinary rice into an aromatic, vibrant side dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese adds nutty, sharp undertones and luxurious meltiness.

• Butter: Creates silky base and helps develop deep, golden flavors when sautéing garlic.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating overall taste experience.

Essential Tools for Garlic Parmesan Rice

• Saucepan: Large, deep pot with a lid for cooking rice and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Precise tools for measuring rice, broth, and milk accurately.
• Measuring spoons: Essential for adding the right amount of salt, pepper, and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing rice from sticking.
• Fork: Great for fluffing rice and mixing in parmesan and parsley at the end.
• Cutting board: Useful for chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.

Instructions for Cooking Garlic Parmesan Rice

Garlic Parmesan Comfort Rice

• Butter Awakening

Melt butter in a saucepan, letting golden droplets dance and spread across the surface. Sprinkle minced garlic into the warm butter, watching it transform into a golden, aromatic treasure that fills the kitchen with an inviting fragrance.

• Liquid Symphony

Pour chicken broth and milk into the pan, creating a creamy liquid canvas. Gently stir in rice, seasoning with a whisper of salt and pepper to build depth and character.

• Quiet Cooking

Cover the pan and let the rice simmer softly, transforming slowly into tender, fluffy grains. Allow the gentle heat to work its magic, drawing out rich flavors and creamy textures.

• Cheesy Finale

Once rice reaches perfect tenderness, remove from heat. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the surface, watching it melt into delicate ribbons. Scatter fresh parsley for a burst of green brightness, then fluff with a fork to create light, airy clouds of deliciousness.

• Serving Moment

Transfer the rice to a warm serving dish, letting the steam carry its irresistible aroma. Enjoy immediately as a comforting side that speaks to the soul.

Helpful Tips for Garlic Parmesan Rice

• Roast garlic before adding to develop a deeper, nuttier taste that transforms the entire dish.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth or replace milk with heavy cream for a richer texture and more luxurious mouthfeel.
• Fold in sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon bits, or diced sun-dried tomatoes to add exciting layers of flavor and texture.
• Experiment with different hard cheeses like pecorino romano, aged cheddar, or gruyere to personalize the rice's final taste profile.

Serving Garlic Parmesan Rice with Ease

• Protein Pairing Perfection: Complement the creamy garlic parmesan rice with grilled chicken breasts, pan-seared salmon, or roasted pork tenderloin for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures.
• Veggie Companion Combo: Enhance the dish by serving alongside roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a crisp mixed green salad to add freshness and nutritional balance.
• Comfort Bowl Upgrade: Transform the rice into a hearty one-bowl meal by topping with a soft-boiled egg, crispy bacon bits, or additional fresh herbs for extra layers of deliciousness.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Repurpose remaining rice into a quick fried rice by adding scrambled eggs, diced vegetables, and a splash of soy sauce for a delightful next-day lunch.

Storage Advice for Garlic Parmesan Rice

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated rice stays fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining its delicious garlic parmesan flavor and creamy texture.
• Weekend Batch Preparation: Double the recipe and create multiple meal portions. Separate rice into individual containers for quick lunch or dinner options during busy weekdays, saving time and reducing cooking stress.
• Reheating Magic Technique: Revive cold rice by adding a splash of chicken broth or milk while warming. Gently stir in a microwave or skillet to restore moisture and prevent dry, clumpy textures. Mix in extra parmesan for renewed flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze rice portions in sealed freezer bags for up to 1 month. Lay bags flat to maximize storage space. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating, ensuring consistent taste and quality of your garlic parmesan rice.

Aromatic Garlic Parmesan Rice

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25min
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Rich, creamy garlic parmesan rice brings comfort from Italian kitchens to dinner tables worldwide. Parmesan and garlic combine in a simple yet luxurious side dish that welcomes diners to savor each delectable spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 8 oz (237 ml) whole milk
• 8 oz (237 ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Butter Infusion: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden and releases a nutty aroma, signaling optimal cooking conditions.
2. Garlic Transformation: Add minced garlic to the butter, sautéing until edges become light brown and emit a rich, pungent fragrance that promises intense flavor.
3. Rice Preparation: Introduce rice to the aromatic butter-garlic mixture, coating each grain thoroughly before pouring in chicken broth, milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Initial Cooking: Stir the mixture comprehensively, ensuring complete ingredient integration, then reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Liquid Absorption: Allow rice to simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes, carefully monitoring liquid absorption and developing a creamy, tender consistency.
6. Finishing Touches: Remove from heat and let rest briefly, then sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the surface.
7. Final Presentation: Delicately fluff the rice with a fork, incorporating cheese and herbs to create a light, airy texture that elevates the dish’s visual and flavor profile.

Notes

• Butter Browning Technique: Golden-brown butter creates a nutty base flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the rice dish.
• Garlic Sauté Strategy: Lightly brown garlic edges to release maximum aromatic compounds without burning, which can turn bitter.
• Liquid Absorption Tip: Maintain low heat and resist lifting the lid during cooking to ensure perfect rice texture and prevent moisture loss.
• Cheese Incorporation Method: Add freshly grated parmesan off the heat to preserve its delicate flavor and prevent separation or greasiness.

• Prep Time: 5min
• Cook Time: 20min
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 318
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 486 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg