Creamy Parmesan Rice
Creamy Parmesan Rice is a simple, one pot side dish that’s ready in 30 minutes. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this easy rice recipe is perfect for the whole family!
Say goodbye to boring, plain rice with this quick and easy rice dish that’s bursting with flavor.
With garlic, butter, and lots of Parmesan cheese, you can be sure that you’ve got a zesty side just ready to be devoured. Picky eaters will love digging into this cheesy deliciousness.
And let’s face it, we’ve all been there with those not-so-good sides. Whether it’s too plain, lacks some ooomph, or just tastes like cardboard, it can be a let-down.
That’s why this parmesan rice recipe is a favorite around here. It’s made in one pot, contains just a few ingredients, and is ready in minutes.
You can serve this as a side to these air fryer chicken strips, honey balsamic chicken, Salisbury steak, or instant pot sloppy joes. Toss this with a simple chicken breast or steak and dinner is served. The possibilities are endless!
What Type of Rice Should I Use?
The best type of rice for this recipe is a long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati rice. Brown rice can be used, but will take a little longer to cook. Minute rice or instant rice can also be used, just be aware of the cooking time.
Ingredients:
- Butter: unsalted butter is best because you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Garlic: minced garlic or fresh garlic cloves.
- Uncooked rice: jasmine or another long grain rice works best.
- Chicken broth: low-sodium broth or vegetable broth (or even chicken stock or vegetable stock) gives this easy parmesan rice an extra pinch of flavor. If you don’t have broth available, water will work.
- Milk: I used 2% to make this rice, but whole milk or heavy cream would make this an extra creamy consistency. Lower fat milk also works, though I haven’t tried this with a non-dairy version.
- Seasonings: salt and pepper
- Lemon juice: this gives the rice a bright pop of flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: this adds a salty, cheesy component (the star of the show) to this recipe. I recommend grating fresh Parmesan, but the store-bough grated kind works just as well.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- To a medium saucepan: melt butter and add garlic and rice.
- Add: Chicken broth, milk, seasonings, and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: simmer over low heat until most of liquid is absorbed.
- Stir: Add in remaining milk, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
How to Store:
Leftover rice will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat: microwave over medium heat or reheat over low heat on the stove. If needed, add a few tablespoons of milk to make it creamy.
What Should I Serve with This Simple Creamy Rice?
Here are some tasty main dishes that go well with this recipe:
- Chicken Parmesan Burgers
- Herb Crusted Salmon
- One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus
- Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Recipe Variations:
- Add some cooked, chopped chicken, beef, or shrimp to make this an easy main dish.
- Swap ½ cup of the milk with heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus to the rice for a heartier dish.
- Sprinkle in some mozzarella or cheddar cheese for even more cheesy goodness.
Looking for More Easy Rice Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!
- Easy Fried Rice
- Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf
- Garlic Herb Rice
- Parmesan Basil Shrimp and Rice
- Southwest Chicken and Rice Bowls
- Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
Creamy Parmesan Rice
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk + 3 tablespoons, divided, (I used 2%)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and rice and stir to saute for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, 1 cup milk, salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and turn heat to low. Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until most of liquid is absorbed.
- Remove saucepan from heat and stir in remaining 3 tablespoons milk, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasonings, if desired, and add more milk if you want rice creamer. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Leftover rice will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- See my tips and tricks for making the Creamy Parmesan Rice above the recipe box.
