Easy Parmesan Garlic Rice for Two (Creamy Budget Side Dish)

This easy parmesan garlic rice for two is a creamy, flavorful side dish made with simple pantry ingredients. It’s buttery, cheesy, and comes together quickly — perfect for pairing with almost any main dish.

This recipe is part of our Side Dishes for Two collection.

TIME

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

• Cheap pantry ingredients
• Creamy, buttery, and full of garlic flavor
• Easy one-pan side dish
• Perfect for pairing with chicken, pork, or beef
• Scales easily if needed

INGREDIENTS FOR PARMESAN GARLIC RICE (FOR TWO)

• ½ cup white rice, rinsed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp minced garlic
• ⅛ tsp garlic powder
• ⅛ tsp onion powder
• ⅛ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp milk
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

INGREDIENT NOTES

• Rice: Long grain white rice works best for fluffy texture
• Chicken broth: Adds flavor — you can substitute water if needed
• Parmesan: Fresh grated melts smoother than pre-shredded
• Milk: Makes the rice creamy — can substitute with a splash of cream

HOW TO MAKE PARMESAN GARLIC RICE

1. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic.
2. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add rice, chicken broth, and seasonings.
4. Bring to a low boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Stir in milk and parmesan cheese until creamy.
6. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve.

EQUIPMENT

⭐ Skillet with Lid
Perfect for even cooking and trapping steam for fluffy rice
⭐ Measuring Cups
Ensures correct rice-to-liquid ratio for perfect texture
⭐ Measuring Spoons
Keeps seasoning balanced and consistent

Other Useful Tools

• Wooden spoon
• Small bowl for measuring

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OPTIONS

• Add cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal
• Stir in spinach for a simple veggie boost

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Serve with:

• Smothered Pork Chops
• Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken
• Garlic Butter Steak

STORAGE

• Store in an airtight container up to 3 days
• Reheat with a splash of milk or broth

BUDGET TIP / COST BREAKDOWN

Estimated cost for 2 servings: ~$1.20 total (~$0.60 per serving)

• Rice: $0.30
• Broth: $0.30
• Butter & milk: $0.30
• Parmesan: $0.30

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use instant rice?
Yes, but reduce liquid and cooking time.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Use oil instead of butter and skip cheese or use dairy-free parmesan.

Why is my rice sticky?
Too much liquid or overcooking — stick to exact measurements.

TRY THESE NEXT

• Smothered cubed Steak for Two
• Lemon Herb Chicken Breast for Two
• Bang Bang Chicken for Two 

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