Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice

Name: Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love making this Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice when I want a comforting yet quick meal. The combination of creamy textures and vibrant flavors is just irresistible. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, and the freshness of the spinach paired with ripe tomatoes adds the perfect touch. With just a few ingredients, I can whip up a nourishing dish that’s perfect for weeknights or even fancy dinners. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some veggies into our meals!

Created by

Ottilie James

Last updated on 2026-01-16T00:55:13.840Z

When I first tried to create a creamy rice dish, I wanted something that wasn’t just delicious but also healthy. Combining spinach and tomatoes provided the perfect balance of creaminess and taste. I learned the secret to this dish is letting the rice absorb all the flavors while cooking, making it incredibly rich. Adding a sprinkle of cheese towards the end can elevate the creaminess and flavor profile.

One key tip I found is to sauté the spinach for just a minute before adding it to the rice. This preserves its vibrant color and ensures it doesn't lose all its nutrients. Serve this dish as a main or a side, and it will absolutely impress anyone you share it with!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy, dreamy texture that satisfies every craving
Vibrant flavors from fresh spinach and tomatoes
Quick to prepare, making dinner stress-free

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The selection of ingredients in this Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice is crucial for achieving the ideal flavor and texture. Fresh spinach, not frozen, retains a vibrant color and a delicate crispness that elevates the dish. When you add the chopped spinach towards the end, it wilts just enough to blend seamlessly with the creamy sauce while still offering a slight bite, enhancing the overall texture.

Ripe cherry tomatoes contribute not just sweetness but also a burst of juiciness that complements the creamy elements. As they cook, they soften and release their juices, creating a delicious sauce that binds the rice together. To amp up the flavor, look for tomatoes with deep red color; they'll provide the best taste and visual appeal.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Rice

Cooking rice can often feel tricky, but with the right attention, it can turn out perfectly fluffy every time. The initial sautéing of the rice in olive oil for two minutes helps to toast the grains slightly, which enhances their nuttiness. Make sure to stir gently to avoid sticking, then follow with a proper simmer covered to retain steam; this is how you achieve that ideal, tender rice consistency.

When using vegetable broth, choose a low-sodium option for more control over the seasoning. This way, you can adjust the saltiness at the end without overwhelming the dish's flavors. A simmering time of 15 minutes works well for long-grain rice; just remember to resist the temptation to lift the lid during this time, as letting out steam can lead to unevenly cooked rice.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking to make the process smoother.

Instructions

Here's how to whip up this delicious dish:

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Cook the Rice

Add the rice to the skillet and stir for about 2 minutes. Then, pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Add the Vegetables

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach and halved tomatoes. Cover and let it sit for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.

Stir in Cream and Cheese

Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Enjoy this delightful and creamy dish with your favorite protein or on its own!

Pro Tips

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, and feel free to add additional spices like red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Customize Your Creamy Rice

While the core recipe is delicious on its own, feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand. If you don’t have fresh spinach, kale or Swiss chard can work beautifully as alternatives, though keep in mind they may require slightly longer cooking times. For those desiring extra protein, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas during the last few minutes of cooking to make it heartier.

For a lighter version, try substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt. Fold it in after removing the pan from heat to prevent curdling, and you’ll achieve a creamy texture with additional protein and tang. Adjust the quantity based on your preference but start with half to avoid overpowering the dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This creamy rice dish stores well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prep. Allow the rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container, which keeps it fresh and prevents it from drying out. When you're ready to eat, reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.

If you find that it has thickened in the fridge, adding a little cream or broth during reheating will help regain that luscious, creamy texture. Alternatively, if you’re considering making this in bulk, it freezes well; just ensure to cool it completely and use a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or use a microwave on a low setting, stirring occasionally.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and use more liquid. Brown rice typically requires about 40-45 minutes to become tender.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

You can easily make this recipe vegan by using plant-based cream and omitting the Parmesan cheese or replacing it with nutritional yeast.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms would all be great additions to enhance the dish.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.