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Creamy Parmesan rice topped with parsley and lemon zest in a wooden bowl.
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Parmesan Rice

This creamy Parmesan rice is an easy stovetop side dish made with tender white rice, Parmesan cheese, milk, and fresh lemon. It has a rich, cheesy texture with a light citrus flavor that makes every bite delicious. Serve this easy rice recipe with chicken, seafood, beef, or pork for a comforting meal.
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheesy rice, creamy Parmesan rice, easy rice recipe, Parmesan rice, rice with cheese
Cooking Method: Stovetop
Diet: Vegetarian option when made with vegetable broth
Servings: 4
Calories: 414kcal
Author: MelanieCooks.com

Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt plus more to taste
  • 1 1/4 cups chicken stock or chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups milk divided
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, divided

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium to medium-low heat.
  • Add the diced onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened without browning.
  • Stir in the uncooked rice, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until the rice is evenly coated with the butter, then cook for 1 minute.
  • Pour in the chicken stock and 1 1/4 cups of the milk. Save the remaining 1/4 cup of milk for later.
  • Cover the pan and bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Lower the heat and maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the rice covered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Check the rice for tenderness. Continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes when needed, watching it closely.
  • Turn off the heat. Stir in the reserved milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and half of the parsley.
  • Taste the rice and add more salt when needed.
  • Sprinkle the remaining parsley over the rice and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Keep the heat low so the liquid does not evaporate before the rice becomes tender.
  • Add a splash of milk or stock when reheating leftovers to restore the creamy texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 414kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 727mg | Potassium: 339mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 683IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 289mg | Iron: 1mg