Garlic Parmesan Rice: The Side Dish You Didn’t Know You Needed

Okay, so what’s the one side dish you can whip up that’ll have everyone asking for seconds? Yup, it’s gotta be garlic parmesan rice. I mean, who doesn’t love creamy, cheesy goodness? Seriously, if I had a nickel for every time this saved my dinner, I’d be rich by now.

Main dish photo — *The finished dish — looks amazing, right?*

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients
Alright, so here’s the deal. You’ll need:

– 1 cup long grain white rice (please, no instant or brown—trust me, it’s a texture thing)
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (because butter is life)
– 3 cloves garlic (minced to perfection)
– 8 ounces chicken broth (homemade if you’re feeling fancy, but store-bought works too)
– 8 ounces whole milk (no skim, we want the creaminess)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt (just a pinch)
– 1/4 teaspoon pepper (season to taste, ya know?)
– 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (the real stuff, not that powdered nonsense)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for a pop of color)

Easy peasy, right? You probably have most of this in your kitchen already!

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly
So, funny story. One night, I was having a “what on earth am I making for dinner?” freak-out, you know the vibe? I had some leftover chicken and needed a side. I tossed this together, and BOOM—my family went wild. Like, they were fighting over the last scoop. My kid even took some to school the next day! Now, it’s pretty much a staple at our house. And let me tell ya, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. If you’re trying to impress anyone, this is the dish.

The One Trick That Changes Everything
Listen up. This is crucial: rinse your rice! Like, really rinse it. You want to wash away that surface starch so it cooks fluffy and not sticky. I mean, who wants gummy rice? Not me! Just toss it in a fine mesh sieve and rinse it under cold water before you do anything else. Trust me, this will change your rice game forever.

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)
Oh man, I’ve made my share of mistakes—don’t be like me!
– Don’t lift the lid while it’s cooking! I know it’s tempting, but just let it do its thing. Steam is your friend.
– Use fresh grated parmesan. I once grabbed that pre-grated stuff, and it just wasn’t the same. Lesson learned!
– Taste test before serving! Adjust that salt and pepper if needed. Your taste buds will thank you!

Another beautiful angle of the dish — *Just as gorgeous from this angle too!*

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)
If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare), just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, but add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. You don’t want sad, dry rice, do ya?

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too
Okay, if you love this, you might also wanna try my buttery garlic noodles or the lemon herb roasted potatoes. Both are winners in my book!

So, what do you think? Are you ready to make this garlic parmesan rice? What’s your go-to side dish? Let’s chat about it! 🥰

Garlic Parmesan Rice

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Garlic Parmesan Rice is a creamy, cheesy side dish that elevates any meal with its rich flavor and fluffy texture. This family-friendly recipe pairs beautifully with chicken, steak, or pork chops, making it a versatile addition to your dinner table. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious side ready in under 30 minutes.

Author: XXXXX
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Side Dish
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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1 cup long grain white rice
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces chicken broth
8 ounces whole milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Rinse the rice in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch for fluffy grains.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
Stir in the rice, chicken broth, milk, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low.
Cook for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed without lifting the lid.
Remove from heat; add parmesan cheese and parsley. Fluff with a fork before serving.