Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

This garlic Parmesan rice is a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, from grilled chicken to seafood.

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Servings: servings

Calories: 257kcal

Author: Sandra

To remove excess starch, rinse the rice in a bowl of cold water a few times, draining between each rinsing, until the water runs clear. This helps ensure the rice cooks up fluffy and prevents it from becoming too sticky. [Note 5]
1 cup long-grain white rice
If using a saucepan: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth or water to a boil. Stir in the rinsed rice and a pinch of salt, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes (or according to your rice package instructions) until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. [Note 5]
If using a rice cooker: (Optional) Add the rinsed rice, 2 cups of chicken broth (or water), and a pinch of salt to the rice cooker. Stir to combine, close the lid, and start the rice cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. [Note 6]
2 cups chicken broth or water
While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. [Note 7]
2 tablespoons butter, 4 garlic cloves
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork. Stir in the garlic-butter mixture and grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. [Note 8]
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese , Salt and black pepper
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve alongside your favorite main dish.
Fresh parsley

Long-grain rice tends to stay fluffy and separate, but you can use jasmine, basmati, or brown rice if preferred. Adjust cooking times based on the type of rice.
Chicken broth will give the rice more flavor. If you use water, you may need to add extra salt for seasoning.
If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder as a substitute (½ tsp). However, fresh garlic is more flavorful.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
Avoid removing the lid while the rice is cooking. If you prefer firmer rice, reduce the liquid by ¼ cup.
Some rice cookers have a “white rice” setting, which works well for this recipe. If your rice cooker switches to the “keep warm” mode before the rice is fully cooked, let it rest on the warm setting for 5-10 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.
Keep a close eye on the garlic as it sautés; garlic can burn quickly. If it starts to brown, immediately remove it from the heat.
Fluffing the rice with a fork prevents it from becoming mushy. Avoid stirring too vigorously, as this can break the grains and make the rice sticky.