Parmesan Lemon Rice
Bright, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful, Parmesan Lemon Rice is the ultimate side dish to elevate any meal. This quick and easy recipe combines tender long-grain white rice with the zesty freshness of lemon zest and juice, the rich nuttiness of melted Parmesan cheese, and the aromatic warmth of sautéed garlic. A touch of butter ensures a luscious texture, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and herbal brightness. Perfectly balanced with a hint of black pepper and a subtle saltiness, this dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables. Ready in just 30 minutes, this vibrant and comforting rice is a family favorite you'll return to again and again. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, Parmesan Lemon Rice brings big flavor with minimal effort.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups of water and 0.5 teaspoons of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water. Stir once, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed.
While the rice cooks, heat the unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork.
Stir the sautéed garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese into the rice. Mix until fully incorporated and creamy.
Season with black pepper and additional salt to taste, if necessary.
Transfer the Parmesan Lemon Rice to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve warm as a side dish and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
801 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.6 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.2 g | 151% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 142 mg | 47% | |
| Sodium | 2562 mg | 111% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.8 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.3 g | ||
| Protein | 38.2 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 965 mg | 74% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 136 mg | 3% | |
*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.
