Garlic parmesan rice is a creamy and cheesy side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken, pork, and seafood. The rice gets flavor from the butter, chicken broth, and caramelized garlic. A one-pan magic trick you can whip up in 15 minutes!
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This parmesan rice recipe is an easy side dish to elevate any meal. With only a few simple ingredients, you'll have a side dish that feels special without much effort. I love making this as a base for my gluten-free chicken piccata or to pair with my baked salmon.
📖Why My Recipe Works
- Caramelized Garlic- I slowly caramelized the garlic to get rid of the sharp, spicy flavor and bring out the sweetness.
- Warm Milk- I added warm milk at the end so that it stays nice, and fluffy, and melts the parmesan cheese perfectly, preventing it from becoming gritty or grainy.
🧾Ingredient Notes
- White Rice- Use long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine rice.
- Garlic- This recipe calls for 4 cloves of garlic. Use medium to large fresh garlic cloves.
- Parmesan Cheese- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese. Pecorino Romano is a good substitute for this.
- Chicken Stock- Vegetable broth will also work.
- Butter- I recommend using unsalted butter. Even better if it's European-style butter because it has more fat and thus more flavor. If you're using salted butter, skip adding kosher salt.
- Milk- Whole milk or plant-based milk will work.
💭 Why Rinse Your Rice
Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which can cause it to become sticky when cooked. It also cleans the rice and removes dust or particles.
⏲️How to Make Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Cook the minced garlic in the butter in medium low-heat, to caramelize it slowly and prevent it from burning. For a different version, you can also use my garlic butter sauce recipe.
- You'll want to slightly undercook the rice, so I recommend cooking it 5 to 10 minutes less than what the package says. Then turn it off and let it sit so the rice is tender and not overdone.
- Don't cook the rice in the milk, as it will make it a little stodgy and similar to a bad risotto. Simply warm the milk and add it at the end. This way, the rice stays nice and fluffy, and it helps melt the Parmesan so the cheese is not grainy.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Stir the parmesan into the rice until fully melted for a smooth, creamy finish. Taste the rice before serving, and add salt and pepper if needed. Garnish it with fresh parsley, then serve and enjoy!
🥗What to Serve with Parmesan Rice
This garlic butter rice goes well with almost anything. I like to serve it with my baked lamb shoulder chops, sheet pan pork chops, salt and pepper shrimp, and grilled chicken thighs.
It also goes well with veggies like garlic green beans, sauteed greens, carrots and asparagus, or stir-fried broccolini.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- When toasting the rice, stir it frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan and burning.
- Adjust the cooking time according to the package directions of your rice.
- Gently heat the milk until it's warm but not scalding. If the milk is too hot, it might curdle when you add the cheese.
More Rice Side Dishes
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📖 Recipe Card
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2¼ cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the white rice in a fine mesh strainer until water runs clear. Set aside.1 cup long-grain white rice
- Heat a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the garlic, cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often.4 cloves garlic, 3 Tablespoons butter
- Add the drained rice and stir to toast it for 2 minutes. Add the salt and chicken broth. Increase heat to high until the mixture reaches a low boil. Then reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and set a timer for 18 minutes. Turn off the heat, leave the lid on, and let the rice rest for 10 minutes before removing lid.2¼ cups chicken stock, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Heat the milk in the microwave for 30 seconds increments until warm. Once fully melted add in the parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, ¼ cup whole milk
Notes
🌡️Storing Leftovers
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can add a splash of broth or water for moisture.Equipment
- Knife
Kristin says
I made this. I appreciate the specific instructions. I reduced the garlic to three cloves, and added some pre-cooked broccoli. It had good flavor, but it was a little dry. I might double the milk when I make it again.
Jen Wooster says
Appreciate the feedback!
Betty says
Great recipe!
Jen Wooster says
Glad you enjoyed!
Stephanie says
Family loved it
Jen Wooster says
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!