If you love comforting, flavorful dishes that come together with minimal fuss, then you are going to adore this Parmesan Mushroom Rice Recipe. It’s creamy, richly savory, and has that irresistible combination of tender mushrooms and nutty parmesan cheese that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or looking for a crowd-pleaser side, this recipe elevates simple ingredients into a dish that’s both elegant and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Parmesan Mushroom Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a specific role, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor that makes this dish so memorable.
- Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base that helps soften mushrooms and infuses the rice with luscious flavor.
- Sliced white mushrooms: Adds earthiness and meaty texture, making the rice hearty and full of umami.
- Garlic: Gives a subtle aromatic punch that brightens the entire dish.
- Long grain rice: The core carbohydrate that soaks up all the delicious broth and milk for a creamy finish.
- Chicken broth: Boosts savory depth and complexity, replacing some of the liquid for extra flavor.
- Milk: Creates a creamy consistency and softens the rice as it cooks; you can add a little extra if desired.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- Grated parmesan: The star ingredient that adds nuttiness, sharpness, and that classic cheesy allure.
- Dried parsley: Offers a splash of color and a subtle herbaceous taste to brighten the final dish.
- Pepper: Adds a mild kick to balance the creaminess and bring the flavors together.
How to Make Parmesan Mushroom Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, toss in your sliced white mushrooms and cook them until they become soft and slightly golden, which takes about 5 minutes. This step unlocks their full flavor and gets the texture just right before combining them with the rice.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Rice
Next, stir in the minced garlic along with the uncooked rice. Let it cook together for about 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast lightly and the garlic to release its fragrant aroma. This step gives an added layer of depth before you introduce the liquids.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth, Milk, and Salt
Add the chicken broth, milk, and salt to the skillet. Give everything a good stir, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 20 minutes, enough time for it to absorb all the liquid and become tender and creamy.
Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Seasonings
Once the rice is done, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and freshly ground pepper. The cheese melts into the rice, making it luxuriously creamy and full of savory goodness. Feel free to add more milk here if you want it extra creamy.
How to Serve Parmesan Mushroom Rice Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra grated parmesan or some fresh chopped parsley over the top. A light drizzle of truffle oil can also elevate the dish, adding an elegant aroma and flavor that pairs beautifully with mushrooms and parmesan.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Mushroom Rice Recipe shines as a side, especially alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or sautéed greens. It’s versatile enough to complement a variety of proteins or even stand on its own as a satisfying vegetarian main when paired with a crisp salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this rice in individual ramekins for a charming presentation, or spread it on a large platter with a garnish of fresh herbs and parmesan shards. Turning it into a stuffed vegetable filling—like in bell peppers or portobello caps—can make for a fun and impressive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Parmesan Mushroom Rice keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more satisfying.
Freezing
You can freeze this rice for up to 2 months by placing portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rice gently on the stove with a splash of milk to bring back its creamy consistency. Alternatively, microwaving in short intervals with occasional stirring works perfectly too.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of long grain white rice?
Absolutely! Just be aware that brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid, so you’ll need to adjust your cooking time and broth accordingly.
Is it possible to make this rice recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep all the rich flavors while making it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I add other types of mushrooms?
Definitely! Mix it up with cremini, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms for different textures and flavors that complement the parmesan beautifully.
What if I want a cheesier dish?
Feel free to increase the parmesan amount or add a sprinkle of mozzarella or fontina cheese for extra gooeyness and flavor.
Can I prepare the dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the rice up to a day ahead, keeping it refrigerated. Just reheat gently before serving to restore its creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Mushroom Rice Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and homey at the same time. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones on any occasion or simply enjoying as a comforting meal to treat yourself. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to recipe for cozy, delicious dinners!
Print
Parmesan Mushroom Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and flavorful Parmesan Mushroom Rice recipe that combines tender mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and rich parmesan cheese for a comforting side dish. This easy stovetop recipe yields a creamy, cheesy rice perfect for pairing with your favorite main courses.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 8 oz sliced white mushrooms, cleaned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain rice, uncooked
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ tsp salt
- â…“ cup grated parmesan, canned or fresh grated
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they become soft and begin to release their juices.
- Add Garlic and Rice: Stir in the minced garlic and uncooked long grain rice, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to allow the rice to toast lightly and garlic to become fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Salt: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then add the salt. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Finish and Season: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and a pinch of pepper. If the rice isn’t creamy enough, slowly add a splash more milk until you reach your desired creaminess.
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms for best flavor, but canned can also be substituted.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste after cooking.
- If you want a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- For extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of cream instead of additional milk.
- Ensure the skillet is covered tightly during simmering to prevent the liquid from evaporating too quickly.
