Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Made Easy

There’s something magical about a side dish that manages to be simple, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting all at once. Today, I’m bringing you my Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Rice—a dish that strikes the perfect balance between creamy indulgence and weeknight practicality. Inspired by lazy nights when you crave something warm and cheesy but don’t want the hassle of stovetop babysitting, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

If comfort food had a soulmate, this creamy garlic-packed rice would be it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✨ No-Fuss Cooking: Let the Instant Pot do all the heavy lifting—no stirring required!
• ⏱ Quick and Easy: You’ll have a savory, restaurant-level side dish in just 30 minutes.
• 🛒 Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen—nothing fancy, but plenty delicious.
• 💛 Family-Approved: The cheesy, garlicky goodness makes it a winner with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this fluffy, flavorful rice to life:

• Rice: I recommend long-grain white rice, like basmati or jasmine. They cook up perfectly fluffy and absorb flavors beautifully.
• Chicken Broth: Adds a depth of flavor you won’t get with water. Veggie broth works too for a vegetarian version.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are key here for that punchy aroma. Trust me, it’s worth it!
• Butter: A little butter gives richness to the dish. Unsalted works great so you can control the seasoning.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts perfectly and adds that nutty, salty finish.
• Parsley (Optional): For a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Pro Tip: Rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch. This step helps keep your rice fluffy and prevents it from getting gummy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and melt the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing—this is your first cue to get excited!
2. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir it to coat in garlic-butter goodness. This quick step toasts the rice slightly and boosts the flavor.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all the rice is submerged. Cancel the sauté mode, then secure the lid.
4. Set your Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the timer is up, allow for a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes before opening the valve to release any remaining steam.
5. When the lid is off, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Watch it melt into creamy perfection!
6. Garnish with parsley if you’d like, and serve warm. That was easy, wasn’t it?

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• If you love extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream before adding the Parmesan.
• For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top before serving.
• Avoid using pre-grated Parmesan as it doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

Want to mix it up? Try one of these ideas:

• Make it a Meal: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms to turn this side dish into a satisfying one-bowl dinner.
• Keto-Friendly: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice and adjust the liquid as needed.
• Herb Boost: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.

Pair this velvety rice with roasted chicken, grilled veggies, or a crisp green salad for a balanced, cozy meal.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically takes longer—consult your Instant Pot manual for timing.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it creamy.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, although the texture may be slightly softer after reheating. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Ready to make this cheesy, garlicky goodness? Here’s the quick reference recipe card for you to follow:

Let me know if you try this recipe! Share your creations on social media with #TheKitchensAid—I’d love to see what you whip up! Let’s make dinner extraordinary, one savory bite at a time.