If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing side dish that feels like comfort in every bite, this Garlic Parmesan Rice is it. Made with buttery rice, aromatic garlic, and a rich Parmesan finish, it’s creamy, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes — all in one pan!
This dish is the perfect companion to almost any main course, from juicy chicken and tender steak to golden pork chops. It’s a side that never goes unnoticed at the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 🧄 Flavor-packed: Creamy, garlicky, and cheesy with a touch of buttery richness.
- 🥣 Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples like rice, garlic, butter, broth, milk, and Parmesan.
- ⏱️ Quick & easy: Ready in about 25 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup.
- 🍳 One-pan recipe: Everything cooks together on the stovetop for ultimate convenience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this comforting rice dish:
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds rich flavor. You can use salted butter, just reduce the added salt by half. Olive oil works in a pinch.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor — skip the jarred kind for this recipe.
- Rice: Use long-grain white rice for fluffy, tender grains. Avoid instant or quick-cooking rice.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth adds depth and savory flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk creates a rich, creamy texture. Lower-fat milk works too but won’t be as luscious.
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting and the best flavor — not the pre-grated kind from a can.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, but adds color and a hint of freshness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Rice
Step 1 – Rinse the rice
Place your rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cool water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
Step 2 – Sauté the garlic
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3 – Add the rice and liquids
Stir in the rice, broth, milk, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 4 – Simmer until tender
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often — the trapped steam is key to fluffy rice!
Step 5 – Finish with Parmesan and parsley
Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and gently stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Rice
- Rinse the rice to remove extra starch and prevent stickiness.
- Keep the lid on! Lifting it releases steam, which affects texture and cooking time.
- Low and slow is the secret — simmering gently ensures the rice cooks evenly without burning.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- Rice too dry? Add a splash of water or milk and stir gently to loosen it up.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic rice pairs perfectly with:
- Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
- Pan-Seared Filet Mignon
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp
- Roasted Vegetables for a complete meal
Storage
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
FAQ
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it will take longer — about 40–45 minutes — and may need extra liquid.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute olive oil for butter and use unsweetened plant-based milk. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Rinse rice until water runs clear.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add rice, broth, milk, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook on low for 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender.
- Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan and parsley, and serve warm.