Cheesy Zucchini Rice Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that’s both cheesy and packed with veggies, this Cheesy Zucchini Rice is the perfect choice. It’s a delicious blend of fluffy rice, melted cheddar, and fresh zucchini, all brought together with the richness of chicken broth and a hint of garlic. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for busy weeknights, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Let’s dive into this simple, flavorful recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium zucchini, shredded
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Splash of milk, as needed
Directions
- Heat the Olive Oil:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This will create a nice base for toasting the rice, enhancing its flavor.
- Toast the Rice:
- Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat it evenly with the oil. Continue toasting the rice, stirring frequently, until it begins to turn golden. This step adds a nutty flavor to the rice that complements the other ingredients.
- Cook the Rice:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice cook for 15 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the flavorful broth while cooking.
- Add the Zucchini and Cheese:
- After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the heat. Immediately add the butter, shredded zucchini, shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder to the rice. Cover the pan quickly to retain the steam, and let it sit for 10 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and the zucchini to soften without additional cooking.
- Stir and Serve:
- After the 10-minute resting period, uncover the pan and stir the rice well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of milk and stir until fully incorporated.
- Serve the cheesy zucchini rice warm, and enjoy its rich, comforting flavors.
Additional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Zucchini Rice
- Zucchini: Make sure to shred the zucchini finely so it incorporates well into the rice. If you prefer less moisture, you can lightly squeeze the shredded zucchini before adding it to the rice.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a rich, tangy flavor to this dish, but you can substitute it with other cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan for a different taste.
- Variations: Add some diced chicken, or sautéed mushrooms to make this dish a more substantial meal.
This Cheesy Zucchini Rice is a versatile and delicious side dish that pairs beautifully with everything from grilled chicken to roasted vegetables. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great addition to any dinner table. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with a touch of freshness from the zucchini!
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Cheesy Zucchini Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Cheesy Zucchini Rice is a delicious blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and the fresh flavor of zucchini. The rice is cooked to perfection, absorbing the rich chicken broth, and then combined with melted sharp cheddar, buttery zucchini, and a touch of garlic powder. The result is a comforting, savory dish that’s perfect as a side or even on its own.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium zucchini, shredded
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Splash of milk, as needed
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the rice and stir to coat it with the oil. Toast the rice, stirring frequently, until it begins to turn golden.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 15 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and immediately add the butter, shredded zucchini, shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder.
Quickly cover the pan again to retain the steam and let it sit for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, uncover the pan and stir the rice well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of milk and stir until fully incorporated.
Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250