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 white rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love preparing Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice on busy weeknights when I want something quick yet satisfying. The combination of creamy sauce, tender spinach, and juicy tomatoes creates a delicious dish that feels like a warm hug. What makes it even better is how easily I can customize it with whatever spices or leftover veggies I have on hand. I find myself going back for more servings every time, and I think you'll love it just as much!

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-15T22:13:15.769Z

Trying out different flavors for our Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice has been an exciting culinary adventure for me. I found that the secret lies in allowing the spinach and tomatoes to meld together with the cream, which enriches the dish profoundly. We often add a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

One tip I learned during my trials is to cook the rice ahead of time and let it cool. This keeps it from becoming mushy and helps create that perfect creamy texture that we all crave. It’s a small change, but it makes a world of difference!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy, comforting texture that warms you up from the inside.
The vibrant colors from spinach and tomatoes make it visually appealing.
Easily adaptable with your favorite spices and vegetables.

      

Perfecting the Creamy Texture

Achieving the perfect creamy texture in this dish hinges on the heavy cream you use. Opt for a high-fat content cream, which not only adds richness but also prevents curdling. Stir the cream into the rice slowly over low heat, allowing it to meld seamlessly. If you notice the sauce thickening too quickly, you can add a splash more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

For an added layer of creaminess, consider incorporating a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese along with the heavy cream. This will enhance the overall flavor profile and add a delightful tang that complements the spinach and tomatoes beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to cut calories or make this dish lighter, you can swap out the heavy cream for a combination of half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind, coconut milk will impart a slightly different taste, but it pairs well with the tomatoes and fresh spinach, giving the dish a unique twist.

Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with diced bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to vary the flavor. If fresh spinach isn't available, frozen spinach will work as well—just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice alongside grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a heartier meal. The light cream sauce complements these proteins beautifully while ensuring a satisfying dinner. Additionally, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top for a spicy kick that enhances the dish's flavor profile.

For a vegetarian twist, consider adding chickpeas or cannellini beans to the mix, providing protein while keeping the dish filling and nutritious. You can also serve this rice as a colorful bed for roasted vegetables, creating a well-rounded meal that's visually appealing.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make a delicious Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice:

Ingredients

1 cup white rice
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Make sure to prep the ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother experience.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice:

Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rice, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the spinach and cherry tomatoes, cooking until the spinach wilts.

Combine and Cream

Once the rice is done, add it to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the heavy cream and stir everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing it to simmer for a couple of minutes.

Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and serve the creamy rice hot. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

Enjoy your meal! This dish is perfect as a standalone or paired with your favorite protein.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. This dish also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can cook the rice and sauté the vegetables in advance, allowing them to cool before storing in airtight containers. When you're ready to eat, just stir in the heavy cream and reheat over low heat. This method helps to preserve the flavors while providing a quick dinner option on busy nights.

If you find yourself with leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of vegetable broth or water to help revive the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving it alone, as it can dry out the rice and make it tough.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up for a crowd is quite simple! For every additional cup of rice, you’ll need to increase the vegetable broth to maintain the proper consistency. Remember, for every cup of rice, plan for roughly 2 cups of broth, adjusting your other ingredients accordingly to maintain balance.

When cooking in larger batches, opt for a bigger skillet or use a pot to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the heating process; larger volumes may require a few extra minutes for the rice to absorb all the liquid perfectly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice has a longer cooking time. Adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

→ Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based Parmesan cheese.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! You can include bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

→ How long does leftovers keep in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.