Imagine a side dish so irresistibly creamy, aromatic, and packed with flavor that it steals the spotlight from your main course. This Parmesan Garlic Butter Rice is not just a simple side dish – it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary rice into a gourmet delight. With golden, buttery grains infused with roasted garlic and topped with rich, melty Parmesan cheese, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner game and leave everyone at the table craving more.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups water or broth
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic as it can become bitter.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat the grains with the garlic butter, toasting the rice for about 2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Pour in water or broth, and add a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the rice for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and cook evenly.
- Once the cooking time is complete, remove the pan from heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and become fluffy.
- Uncover the pan and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until well combined.
- Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the rice to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish that complements a variety of main courses.
Tips
- Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain is perfectly separated and fluffy.
- Toast the rice in garlic butter before adding liquid – this simple step intensifies the nutty flavor and adds depth to the dish.
- Use low-sodium broth instead of water to enhance the overall taste profile of the rice.
- Keep the lid on while cooking and resist the temptation to peek – this traps steam and ensures even cooking.
- Let the rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow it to absorb any remaining moisture and become beautifully fluffy.
- For extra richness, use high-quality European-style butter with a higher fat content.
- Fresh garlic makes a significant difference – avoid pre-minced garlic from jars for the best flavor.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional aromatic complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
