Cauliflower rice doesn’t have to be boring! This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Rice is buttery, savory and just creamy enough to feel like comfort food while still keeping things light and low carb. Garlic, Parmesan and a little cream cheese give it tons of flavor without overpowering whatever you’re serving alongside it.

It’s especially good with chicken casseroles, pork chops or grilled chicken, and it comes together in about 10 minutes using a bag of frozen cauliflower rice. The trick is cooking off the extra moisture before adding the creamy ingredients—that keeps it rich and fluffy instead of watery.

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 (12 oz) bag frozen cauliflower rice
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp seasoned salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Pinch of smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp chopped green onion or parsley, optional

Instructions

1. Cook the cauliflower rice according to package directions, stopping just before it’s completely tender.
2. Transfer to a skillet over medium heat and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, to evaporate any excess moisture.
3. Reduce heat to low. Add the butter, cream cheese and heavy cream and stir until melted and creamy.
4. Stir in the Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, black pepper and smoked paprika.
5. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and heated through.
6. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
7. Sprinkle with green onion or parsley and serve warm.

Quick Tip

Don’t skip cooking off that extra moisture! Frozen cauliflower rice holds quite a bit of water, and removing it first is what gives you creamy cauliflower rice instead of watery cauliflower rice.