Creamy Lemon Rice
Brighten up your table with this Creamy Lemon Rice, a luxurious twist on a classic side dish that’s bursting with fresh citrus flavor and rich creaminess. Made with tender long-grain white rice, a silky blend of heavy cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and fragrant lemon zest, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between tangy and savory. Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding a layer of indulgence, while sautéed garlic brings depth and a hint of warmth. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect as a standalone vegetarian main or a versatile side dish to complement roasted chicken or seafood, this quick and easy rice recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it an effortless addition to your weeknight or dinner party menu.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and stir in the rice.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
While the rice cooks, melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan.
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to the skillet with the cream mixture.
Stir the rice into the sauce until well-coated. Reduce the heat to low, and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
Taste the rice and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or lemon juice as needed.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the rice for a fresh finish.
Serve warm as a side dish or light main course. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
402 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.9 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.7 g | 98% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 96 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 610 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15.6 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.5 g | ||
| Protein | 9.6 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 246 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 0.3 mg | 2% | |
| Potassium | 54 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
