Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Rice is the perfect side dish for almost any meal. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with garlic flavor, this rice recipe turns a simple grain into an irresistible, comforting dish. Whether paired with roasted chicken, sautéed shrimp, or your favorite vegetables, this recipe is sure to impress.

The secret to a perfect garlic parmesan rice lies in toasting the rice lightly in butter before cooking, then finishing with freshly grated parmesan and herbs. The result is a rich, creamy texture without being heavy, and a flavor profile that’s both savory and comforting.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Rice: Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. Drain.
2. Sauté Garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Toast Rice: Add rice to the pan and stir for 2–3 minutes until lightly toasted.
4. Cook Rice: Pour in stock, season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
5. Finish with Parmesan: Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in parmesan cheese and parsley. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve: Serve warm as a side dish for proteins, vegetables, or as a standalone comfort meal.

Tips & Variations

• Make it creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream for extra richness.
• Add protein: Mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon for a complete meal.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• Vegan option: Use olive oil instead of butter and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

Fun Facts

Garlic parmesan rice combines Italian flavors with classic comfort food techniques. Garlic and parmesan enhance umami, making this rice a perfect complement to almost any protein. It’s also a great meal prep recipe, keeping well in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Rice

Fluffy rice infused with garlic and parmesan, perfect as a side dish for any meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 28 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Side

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 2 tbsp parsley chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk or spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. Drain.
2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add rice and stir 2–3 minutes until lightly toasted.
4. Pour in stock, season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes.
5. Remove from heat, fluff rice with a fork, stir in parmesan and parsley. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve warm as a side dish.

Notes

For extra creaminess, stir in heavy cream or mix in sautéed vegetables.