The temperature is dropping and we are ready for crisp air, cozy sweaters, and comfort food! This dreamy, creamy parmesan rice is the perfect comforting side dish you've been looking for.
We've enjoyed a hot summer filled with refreshing fruit, delicious bbq, and easy dinners eaten outside. But now, the leaves are changing, the temperature is dropping, and we are HERE. FOR. IT. Bring on the comfort foods! We're talking soups, rich desserts, and warm side dishes.
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That's where this amazing creamy parmesan rice comes in! Easy to make (of course!) but so full of flavor you won't believe it's only a side dish and not the star of the show. Plus the creamy texture is what all our comfort food dreams are made of.
Ingredients And Variations For Parmesan Rice
When it comes to shelf cooking, rice is always one of our top go-to ingredients for so many reasons! It's inexpensive, shelf stable, filling, and SO versatile! You can use it in soups, salads, burritos, wraps, or as a side dish. You can make it spicy, savory, sweet, or even bland. There's just no shortage of things to love about rice!
This savory parmesan rice has a mild and comforting flavor that pairs well with so many things. Plus, it only requires a few basic ingredients that you likely already have at home! To make this dish you'll need:
- Long-grain white rice
- butter
- shallot or onion
- garlic
- chicken broth
- salt and pepper
- grated or shredded parmesan cheese
Don't have any parmesan cheese on hand? No worries! You can substitute grated asiago or romano cheese in it's place and you'll hardly even notice the difference.
Want to jazz things up even more? Feel free to throw in some herbs. We like adding a little bit of dried oregano and thyme to the first step. If we're feeling spicy, a pinch or two of red pepper flakes turns things up a notch!
You can make this rice using either your stovetop and a saucepan, or your Instant Pot! We'll give you instructions for both below.
What To Pair With Parmesan Rice
We think parmesan rice is the perfect pairing for so many dishes! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Grilled meats – We love marinating some chicken and throwing it on the grill, then placing it atop a bed of creamy parmesan rice! It is so flavorful and satisfying. Feel free to do the same with beef, pork, shrimp, or fish!
- Italian zucchini boats – Mmmm! The garlic and parmesan in this rice will be ah-mazing with the Italian flavors of these healthy zucchini boats.
- Meatloaf – Tired of meat and potatoes and want to switch it up? This creamy parmesan rice will be a delicious alternative.
- French onion chicken – This easy and flavorful one-pan chicken dish will feel so fancy with a side of parmesan rice!
- Pork chops – We'll show you how to make the perfect pork chops on your stovetop. Add some creamy parmesan rice and you'll have a meal fit for a king!
How To Make Creamy Parmesan Rice
Let's get to cooking this amazing side dish, eh? You can start this rice and let it simmer on the stovetop while you prep the rest of your meal, or have it come together in a manner of minutes in your Instant Pot!
Creamy Parmesan Rice
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp butter, divided
- 1 shallot, finely minced or 1/4 c. finely chopped yellow or sweet onion
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic or 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup rice
- 1½ cup chicken broth (only 3/4 cup if using an Instant Pot)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp grated parmesan or 3 Tbsp shredded parmesan
Instructions
STOVETOP INSTRUCTIONS
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Once butter is melted, add the shallots and garlic and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Once the shallots and garlic are softened, add the rice and stir until well coated in the butter.
- Add the broth and salt and pepper to taste. Stir once more, then bring to a boil and cover. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the parmesan cheese.
- Add more salt and pepper to taste, if needed, and enjoy!
INSTANT POT INSTRUCTIONS
- Set Instant Pot to sauté mode, then add 2 tablespoons of the butter to melt. Once butter is melted, add the shallots and garlic and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Once the shallots and garlic are softened, add the rice and stir until well coated in the butter. Turn off sauté mode.
- Add the broth and salt and pepper to taste. Stir once more, then lock the lid in place with the pressure valve set to sealing position. Cook on HIGH for 3 minutes. Once the rice is done cooking, allow pressure to naturally release until the pin drops.
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the parmesan cheese.
- Ad more salt and pepper to taste, if needed, and enjoy!
Are you a parmesan cheese fan? If so, we think this rice dish will be a real winner! We hope you love it as much as we do.
We are your go-to source for recipe inspo! Check out some of these amazing dishes to try ASAP:
- Everyone needs a delicious homemade macaroni and cheese recipe to fall back on, and you'll find yourself making this one again and again!
- Easy French toast casserole?! Uh, yes please! You'll love making this to feed an early-morning crowd.
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Have a rice dinner!