Quick and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Quick and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto. By using long grain rice, this 'lazy' version cuts down on the traditional cooking time while still delivering the comforting essence of classic risotto. Infused with aromatic garlic and cheesy goodness, this dish is perfect as a side or a satisfying main. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home that is bound to impress family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1/3 cup (chopped)
garlic
1 tablespoon (minced (about one clove))
long grain rice
2/3 cup (uncooked)
water
2 cups (filtered)
instant chicken bouillon granules
2 teaspoons (dry)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
butter
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Instructions
1
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is tender and fragrant but not browned.
2
2. Stir in the long grain rice, cooking for an additional 2 minutes while stirring to lightly toast the rice and infuse it with the flavors from the onion and garlic.
3
3. Gradually pour in the 2 cups of water, followed by the instant chicken bouillon granules. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
4
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the saucepan, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes. Be careful not to lift the lid during cooking to maintain steam and heat.
5
5. After the cooking time, remove the saucepan from the heat. Check that the rice is tender yet has a slight bite left, and the mixture has a creamy consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
6
6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto?
It is a simplified version of classic risotto that uses long grain rice to reduce cooking time while maintaining a rich, cheesy, and creamy flavor profile.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This recipe is designed to be completed in under 30 minutes, making it a quick option for busy weeknights.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
This specific recipe uses long grain rice, which contributes to its 'lazy' or quicker preparation style compared to traditional arborio rice.
Can I use arborio rice instead of long grain rice?
While you can use arborio, the cooking time and liquid ratios may need to be adjusted, and it will require more frequent stirring to achieve the traditional texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
It can be vegetarian if you substitute the chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon and ensure the Parmesan cheese is a vegetarian-friendly brand.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 8 primary ingredients: onion, garlic, long grain rice, water, instant chicken bouillon, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and butter.
How much garlic does the recipe call for?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, which is approximately one large clove.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of water and bouillon?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 cups of water and chicken bouillon with 2 cups of pre-made vegetable or chicken broth.
What is the purpose of toasting the rice?
Toasting the rice for a few minutes with the onion and garlic helps to infuse the grains with flavor and prevents them from becoming too mushy.
Why shouldn't I lift the lid while the rice simmers?
Keeping the lid closed ensures that the steam and heat stay trapped inside, which is necessary to cook the long grain rice evenly within the 20-25 minute timeframe.
Is this dish served as a side or a main?
This versatile dish can be served either as a satisfying main course or as a flavorful side dish to accompany proteins like chicken or steak.
How do I achieve the creamy consistency?
The creaminess comes from the combination of the rice starches, the melted butter, and the addition of grated Parmesan cheese at the end of the cooking process.
What type of onion is best for this risotto?
A standard yellow or white onion works best for its mild flavor when sautéed.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can easily stir in cooked peas, spinach, or mushrooms at the final stage when adding the cheese.
What should the texture of the rice be when finished?
The rice should be tender but still have a slight 'bite' or al dente texture, held together in a creamy sauce.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
You can use olive oil to sauté the aromatics, but butter is recommended for a richer, more traditional risotto flavor.
What can I use as a garnish?
You can garnish the dish with additional grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Rice is naturally gluten-free, but you must check the label of your chicken bouillon granules to ensure they do not contain gluten-based fillers.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
How do I reheat the risotto?
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or milk to loosen the texture, as it will thicken significantly when cold.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce, but pre-grated cheese can be used in a pinch.
Does this recipe require constant stirring?
No, unlike traditional risotto, this version is simmered covered, making it much easier and requiring less active monitoring.
Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp?
Absolutely. Cooked shredded chicken or sautéed shrimp can be stirred in at the end for a more filling meal.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While not explicitly stated, the 2/3 cup of dry rice typically yields about 2 main-sized portions or 3-4 side-dish portions.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute.
Is it okay to use dried onion instead of fresh?
Fresh onion provides a better texture and sweetness, but 1-2 tablespoons of dried minced onion can be used if fresh is unavailable.
What if the rice is still hard after 25 minutes?
If the rice is still too firm, add a tablespoon of water, cover, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat.
Can I use brown rice?
Brown rice requires significantly more liquid and a longer cooking time (usually 45-50 minutes), so the recipe would need major adjustments.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it uses common pantry staples like rice, bouillon, and onions, making it a very cost-effective meal.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients; just ensure you use a large enough saucepan and monitor the liquid absorption closely.