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Home » Side Dishes

Creamy Parmesan Rice

Updated: Jul 17, 2025 · Published: Aug 1, 2024 by Misty Tannery · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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If you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish that’s full of flavor, this Creamy Parmesan Rice is the perfect solution! Made with instant rice, it comes together in just minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or when you need something simple but satisfying.The rich, cheesy flavor of Parmesan cheese paired with a hint of garlic creates a creamy, comforting rice dish that goes well with just about anything—chicken, steak, pork, or even roasted vegetables. Plus, using instant rice means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

Whether you're preparing a last-minute dinner or planning a full meal, this easy parmesan rice is a side dish you’ll want to make again and again!

Creamy Parmesan rice served on a plate with juicy steak bites.
Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—this Parmesan Rice is the perfect side for steak night!

Such an easy side dish. I love quick side dishes that pack big flavor and this is one of them!

If you need another idea try my Almond Rice Pilaf or Spicy Hashbrowns!

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Equipment
  • Top Tip
  • Storage
  • Pairing
  • Sides to Try

Ingredients

  • butter
  • garlic 
  • uncooked white rice
  • chicken broth
  • milk
  • salt
  • grated parmesan cheese
  • parsley

See exact quantities in recipe card below.

Instructions

Sauté garlic in butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add rice and stir to coat in butter. Add broth, milk and salt then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low (or maybe a little higher depending on your stove - you want to keep it at a slight simmer), cover and cook for 5-8 minutes if using instant rice or until rice is tender. Stir in parmesan cheese and parsley. If it needs a little creaminess, add a splash of milk. Taste for salt and add more if necessary.

Equipment

This is a one pot meal which makes it oh so easy! If you don't have a garlic press though - I HIGHLY recommend! Here is a link to shop for one!

Top Tip

Go ahead and use fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan cheese. I promise it makes a difference and does not add hardly any extra time!

Storage

Just store any left overs in the fridge in an airtight container! These containers are perfect!

Pairing

This rice side dish is perfect for so many proteins...Beef, chicken, fish, pork!

Some recipes to try:

  • Steak Bites
  • The Yummiest Marinade
  • Greek Inspired Grilled Chicken
  • Healthy Blackened Tilapia

Sides to Try

Need more side dish inspo? Try one of these soon!

  • White Corn Casserole in a white baking dish with a red and white towel beside it, showing the creamy corn and peppers.
    White Corn Casserole
  • Colorful summer fruit salad with strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, oranges etc, drizzled with a citrus brown sugar glaze in a glass bowl.
    Best Summer Fruit Salad
  • Fresh fruit salad served in hollowed orange cups on a wooden tray
    Autumn Fruit Salad in Orange Cups
  • Spicy roasted potatoes on a sheet panswith spices, perfect as a side dish for breakfast, chicken, or steak
    Spicy Hashbrowns
See more Side Dishes →

Creamy Parmesan rice served on a plate with juicy steak bites.
Print Recipe

Creamy Parmesan Rice

This Creamy Parmesan Rice is a rich and flavorful side dish made with tender rice, butter, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect easy upgrade to plain rice and pairs beautifully with steak, chicken, or roasted veggies.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time7 minutes mins
Total Time12 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: instant rice, parmesan, rice
Servings: 5
Calories: 205kcal
Author: Misty Tannery - www.learneditfrommymom.com

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoon butter
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 ½ cups instant rice
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • ¾ cup milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup parmesan cheese grated
  • ½ tsp parsley

Instructions

  • Sauté garlic in butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add rice and stir to coat in butter. Add broth, milk and salt then bring to a toil. Reduce heat to low (or maybe a little higher depending on your stove - you want to keep it at a slight simmer), cover and cook for 5 -8 minutes or until rice is tender. Stir in parmesan cheese and parsley. If it needs a little creaminess, add a splash of milk. Taste for salt and add more if necessary.

Notes

If you use 2% fat or lower milk, use recipe as stated. If you use whole milk add 2 tablespoons water.

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 543mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 300IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 2mg

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Misty Tannery-Learned it from My Mom Profile

Thank you for being here! I’m a home cook and food blogger sharing easy, delicious recipes made with love—just like my mom taught me! From quick weeknight dinners to sweet Southern desserts, I post new recipes daily to keep your kitchen inspired. Follow for family favorites, holiday treats, and everyday meals you’ll actually want to make!

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