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.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups of water and 0.5 teaspoons of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Stir the sautéed garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese into the rice. Mix until fully incorporated and creamy.

Step 7

Season with black pepper and additional salt to taste, if necessary.

Step 8

Transfer the Parmesan Lemon Rice to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Step 9

Serve warm as a side dish and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(804.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	800.6

Total Fat 48.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 30.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 142mg	0%
Sodium 2561.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 60.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.2g	0%
Total Sugars 0.3g
Protein 38.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 964.7mg	0%
Iron 2.8mg	0%
Potassium 136.2mg	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: 52.5%

Protein: 18.3%

Carbs: 29.2%