Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice

Name: Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup rice, rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice! It's one of those comforting dishes that warms both my heart and my tummy. The vibrant colors of fresh spinach and juicy tomatoes bring life to the creamy rice, making it a visually appealing meal. I often prepare this recipe on busy weeknights because it's quick and easy, yet feels indulgent. The best part? It can be served as a main or a side, so it suits any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your go-to list!

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-15T22:19:08.635Z

When I first made Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice, I was pleasantly surprised by how tasty and satisfying it was. I used a blend of creamy cheese and fresh herbs, which elevated the dish beautifully. One tip I found helpful was to sauté the spinach until just wilted before mixing it into the rice, allowing it to maintain its vibrant color and freshness.

I've also tried adding different herbs to the mix, like basil and oregano, and they complement the tomatoes so well! Experimenting with various cheese types added a whole new dimension to this dish. It truly allows for flexibility, so feel free to make it your own!

        Why You'll Love This Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice
        Rich and creamy texture that feels indulgent yet comforting
Bright flavors from fresh spinach and juicy tomatoes
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

      

Cooking Rice to Perfection

The foundation of any great rice dish is perfectly cooked rice. Rinsing the rice before cooking is essential as it removes excess starch, which can make your final dish gummy. Using vegetable broth instead of water not only boosts the flavor but also complements the savory elements of spinach and tomatoes. Once your broth reaches a boil, ensure you reduce the heat to low immediately; this helps maintain a gentle simmer, allowing the rice to cook evenly and absorb all the flavors.

For visible indicators of rice doneness, check that the liquid has been fully absorbed and the grains are tender. If you find your rice is still hard after 18 minutes of simmering, feel free to add a few tablespoons of water and continue cooking with the lid on for an additional 2-3 minutes. This small adjustment can prevent overcooking while still allowing the rice to soften adequately.

Crafting the Creamy Mixture

The creamy mixture elevates this dish, combining fresh ingredients that provide both flavor and nutrition. When sautéing the spinach, you want to cook it just until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as the spinach should maintain a vibrant green color and a slight texture; this contributes to the overall appeal of your meal. For the tomatoes, halving them allows their juices to meld beautifully into the cream, creating a luscious sauce that binds the rice and vegetables together seamlessly.

When adding Parmesan, make sure it’s grated well. Using freshly grated cheese ensures quicker melting and easier incorporation into the dish, resulting in a smoother creamy texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider swapping heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and using a dairy-free cheese alternative to create a similar creamy effect without the lactose.

Ingredients

For the Rice

1 cup rice, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Creamy Mixture

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Add rice and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 minutes.

Prepare the Creamy Mixture

In the last 5 minutes of rice cooking, combine spinach, cherry tomatoes, and heavy cream in a separate pan. Cook on medium-low until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, then season with salt and pepper.

Combine and Serve

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and then mix in the creamy spinach and tomato mixture. Stir well to combine. Serve hot and enjoy your deliciously creamy spinach tomato rice!

Pro Tips

For an added crunch, consider topping the dish with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds. You can also substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative to make it dairy-free.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice can easily transition from a hearty main course to a delightful side dish. To enhance its role as a main, serve it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed tofu on top; these proteins integrate well with the creamy base. For a side dish, consider pairing it with roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the rice.

If you want to infuse additional flavors, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley when serving. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also provide a fresh contrast to the creamy texture, enhancing every bite.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This recipe is perfect for batch cooking! You can make a large quantity and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When storing, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container to preserve the freshness. If you find that the rice has absorbed too much cream upon reheating, simply add a splash of broth or water and gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave to restore its original creaminess.

For longer storage, you can freeze the creamy spinach tomato rice in portions. It will maintain its quality for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving. This makes it an excellent option for quick meals on busy days!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well! Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the dish.

→ What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative, or you can use any hard cheese you prefer.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based cream and skip the cheese or opt for a vegan cheese alternative.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store the rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.