Description
Creamy, aromatic rice cooked in a blend of chicken broth and milk, then finished with freshly grated parmesan cheese and parsley for a deliciously satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup long grain white rice (not instant or brown)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces chicken broth
- 8 ounces whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice in a fine mesh sieve under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch from the rice surface, ensuring fluffy, separate grains rather than sticky or gummy rice.
- Sauté the garlic: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Add the minced garlic and cook until it becomes lightly golden brown and releases its fragrant aroma, approximately 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter.
- Combine ingredients: Add the rinsed rice to the pan with the garlic butter, then pour in the chicken broth and milk. Season with salt and pepper, and stir everything together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Cook the rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce the heat to very low (just enough to maintain a minimal simmer) and cook undisturbed for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.
- Finish with cheese: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from heat. Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, then gently fluff and fold the ingredients together with a fork. This incorporates the cheese and herbs without crushing the rice grains.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged grated cheese, as it melts more smoothly and has better flavor.
- This recipe can be made with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- For additional flavor variations, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or substitute some of the parsley with other fresh herbs like basil or thyme.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 42mg