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.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and stir in the rice.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

While the rice cooks, melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 6

Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to the skillet with the cream mixture.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Taste the rice and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or lemon juice as needed.

Step 10

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the rice for a fresh finish.

Step 11

Serve warm as a side dish or light main course. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1092.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1608.8

Total Fat 128.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 382mg	0%
Sodium 2645.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 63.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.8g	0%
Total Sugars 1.5g
Protein 38.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 973.2mg	0%
Iron 3.2mg	0%
Potassium 230.1mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 74.1%

Protein: 9.8%

Carbs: 16.1%