This Garlic Parmesan Rice comes together in about 30 minutes and all in one pot, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Trust me, this dish is a winner every time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this creamy garlic parmesan rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 tbsp of butter: Here’s where the richness begins! Butter adds a delightful creaminess,
- 1 tbsp of minced garlic: Fresh is best, but if you’re in a pinch, jarred works too! Makes the whole house smell amazing.
- 1 cup of uncooked rice: Long-grain white rice is what I prefer, but feel free to use a different variety like jasmine or basmati!
- 1 cup of water: This gets the rice cooking.
- 1 cup of milk: For extra creaminess. You can use whole, 2%, or even plant-based milk if you prefer!
- ½ tsp salt: Just a couple pinches to bring out that garlic flavor.
- ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese: The real star of the show! Feel free to go for a bit more if you’re a cheese lover like me.
- ½ tsp of parsley: Fresh or dried, it adds a pop of color and flavor!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s nice and fragrant, oh my goodness, the smell is divine!
Next, toss in 1 cup of uncooked rice and stir well to coat it with that buttery goodness. I can’t stress enough how important it is to give the rice a good stir at this point, this helps to toast it just a bit and adds tons of flavor!
Now, add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of milk, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
Once the rice is tender, remove it from the heat and stir in ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon of parsley. Give that a good mix! Cover and let it stand for about 5 minutes while the cheese melts into everything, this is when it truly becomes creamy and dreamy.
Serve warm and watch your family dig in! Trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds!

If you loved this creamy garlic parmesan rice, be sure to check out my Broccoli Cheddar Rice, my Fried Rice or my Hawaiian Fried Rice!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice comes together in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver! You can satisfy that comfort food craving without spending all night cooking or cleaning.
One Pot Wonder
Everything is cooked in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup is required, seriously, who wants to wash a ton of dishes on a weeknight?
Budget-Friendly
All the ingredients are affordable and easy to find. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already!
Customizable
This dish is super versatile! Use whatever you have on hand: different spices, leftover meats, or even multiply the recipe for a larger group. You can truly make it your own.
Comfort Food
Each bite is loaded with tons of flavor, think buttery, creamy, and just downright delicious. If you’re looking for a hug in a bowl, this is it!
Serving and Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
This creamy garlic parmesan rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or even a nice salad for a complete meal. You could also use it as a base for a stir-fry, making everything come together in a lovely, flavorful dish.
Storage
If you have any leftovers (unlikely because it’s so good), they will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days! Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Reheating Instructions
When reheating, I recommend doing it slowly in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess. You can also zap it in the microwave, but add that little splash to keep it moist.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice. Just let it cool completely before packing it up in freezer-safe containers. It should keep well for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as directed.
And there you have it! A cozy, comforting dish that takes not much time at all. This creamy garlic parmesan rice is perfect for busy weeknights and truly is a crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to give it a try, it’s going to be a new favorite in your home in no time! Enjoy!
And by the way, as always, please feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or if you want to share your version of this recipe! Happy cooking!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and comforting garlic parmesan rice dish that comes together in one pot in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp parsley
Instructions
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a medium-sized saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant.
- Toss in 1 cup of uncooked rice and stir well to coat with butter.
- Add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of milk, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the rice is tender, remove from heat and stir in ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon of parsley. Mix well and let stand for about 5 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
For added flavor, feel free to mix in leftover meats or vegetables. Adjust the amount of cheese to your liking!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
