Garlic Butter Parmesan Rice

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Garlic Butter Parmesan Rice, bursting with flavor and cooked all in one pot! The garlic and cheese mix is simply delicious. It’s kid-friendly and makes a great side dish for chicken, steak, or seafood.

This garlic rice is our hands-down-favorite rice recipe. My kids love it because it’s creamy and cheesy, and I love it because it cooks up in one pot, and it’s not another pan of mac & cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Rice Recipe

• Flavorful: The combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a hard-to-resist richness.
• One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot.
• Versatile Side Dish: Parmesan rice pairs wonderfully with chicken, steak, or seafood.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with various broths and optional spinach.

Recipe Ingredients

• Butter: Adds creaminess and richness.
• Garlic: Fresh is best, but you can also use garlic powder.
• Long Grain Rice: I like to use Basmati rice or plain white long-grain rice.
• Milk: Contributes to the creaminess and it can be replaced with a dairy-free alternative.
• Water or Broth: Use chicken or vegetable broth for extra flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the rice.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, cheesy depth.
• Baby Spinach (Optional): For a touch of color and nutrition.
• Fresh Parsley: Used for garnish and freshness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Parmesan Rice

1. Melt: Set a Dutch oven or a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Stir in the garlic and cook it for a couple of minutes. 
2. Add: Add rice and stir it around to evenly coat it with the butter. Stir in the milk, water, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. 
3. Cook: Cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
4. Finish: Remove the lid and stir in the cheese, spinach, and parsley. Remove the pot from the heat. Cover it and let it stand for 3 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

If you’re looking for a next-level side dish that everyone will love, you’ve found it. Follow these tips to make sure it’s the best:

• You can opt to use water or broth. Chicken broth or vegetable broth both work well. I’d recommend using low-sodium versions or adjusting the amount of salt you add if you do use broth instead of water. 
• Don’t skip the milk! The milk is what gives this dish the creamy, risotto-like texture. 
• This recipe calls for long-grain rice. Short-grain rice will be too dense and won’t get as tender. I prefer Basmati rice, but Jasmine rice also works really well. 

Serving Suggestions

I like to use this garlic butter rice dish in place of any plain rice side to a juicy blue steak, roast chicken, or broiled salmon. If you don’t include the spinach, you may want to serve sauteed green beans or snap peas with the rest of your dishes. A spicy chicken soup beforehand would be fabulous.

How to Store Leftover Garlic Rice

Cool the leftovers to room temperature, place them in an airtight container, and refrigerate for 2 days. To maintain creaminess, reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth.

Delicious Rice Dishes

• Instant Pot Mexican Rice
• Shrimp Fried Rice
• Ranch Chicken And Rice