Garlic Parmesan Rice

Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients, this garlic parmesan rice is full of bold flavors and is a great accompaniment to your favorite mains.

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Garlic parmesan rice in a bowl topped with fresh herbs.

Last Updated on July 20, 2021 by Betty Davies

Add some flavor to your rice quickly and easily with this delicious garlic parmesan rice recipe. Simple to make, all in one pan, you just need a few simple ingredients to make this versatile and flavorful side dish.

A bowl of rice next to a wedge of parmesan and garlic cloves.

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It’s so easy to add flavor to your everyday rice in minutes, and this garlic parmesan recipe is all kinds of delicious.

It’s time to say ‘NO’ to boring rice!

This seasoned rice is nice and garlicky, and the grated parmesan adds a nice depth of flavor. Great to serve with all of your favorite dishes, it’s a simple way to elevate your meals.

Be sure to try my Tomato Basil Rice and Rice Stuffed Tomatoes too!

Why you will love this recipe!

Quick and easy: It takes just a couple of extra minutes to season this rice so you have no excuses!
Simple ingredients: This recipe is made with every day ingredients you are likely to already have to hand.
Make ahead: This is a great recipe for meal prep, freezes well and is quickly reheated.
Dietary info: This garlic parmesan rice is gluten-free.

Garlic parmesan rice served in a blue bowl.

Ingredients

Rice: This recipe is made with long grain white rice. Basmati and jasmine both work well.
Butter: Use salted butter, or, if you use unsalted then add in a little extra salt. This adds a great flavor to the cooked rice and creates a silky and rich texture.
Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. I don’t like to chop it too finely so that it’s not overpowering.
Parmesan: Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated can often be quite dry and have a grainy texture.

How to make garlic parmesan rice

Be sure to scroll down for the full recipe!

Cook and drain the rice (photo 1).
Melt the butter and soften the garlic (photo 2).
Add the rice and parmesan to the butter and stir to combine (photo 3).

Three step by step photos to show how to make the recipe.

Recipe Variations

This garlic parmesan rice is pretty delicious as it is, but you can easily make it your own with a few swaps and substitutions.

Make it vegetarian by using a rennet free parmesan cheese.
Butter makes this rice super delicious, but olive or avocado oil will work well too.
Add in some red chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Stir in some parsley or other fresh herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make it ahead of time?

The cooked rice will keep well, covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it cool before storing it. Reheat either in a pot on a medium high heat with a couple of tablespoons of water and stir occasionally til heated through, or, pop it in a microwaveable bowl with a little water and heat on high for 3 minutes, stirring halfway. Take care to only reheat rice once.

Can you freeze it?

Yes, you can freeze this rice for a couple of months. You can thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating, or cook it straight from frozen, just add a couple more minutes of cooking time so that it is piping hot to serve.

Can you make this with other varieties of rice?

You can make this garlic parmesan rice with brown, wild or a blend. Just be aware that the cooking times will vary, so cook according to the package instructions for the best results.

Overhead shot of a bowl of rice next to a wedge of parmesan and garlic cloves.

Serving Suggestions

This garlic parmesan rice is great served with Italian style dishes like stuffed peppers. It’s great with all kinds of fish and chicken dishes, and would work nicely with steak or meatballs.

Recipe Notes and Tips

Rinse your rice under cold running water before cooking it. This helps to remove the starch so that your grains don’t clump together.
Take care not to overcook your rice. Taste it when it is cooking and drain before it is soft and mushy.
The strength of the garlic flavor depends on how finely you chop your garlic, minced garlic has a much more powerful flavor than sliced.

Rice served in a blue bowl and garnished with fresh herbs.

More Easy Side Dishes

If you’ve tried this recipe, be sure to leave a star rating and a comment below!