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 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I remember the first time I tried making this Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice – it was a burst of flavor and comfort in every spoonful! The combination of creamy sauce with tender rice, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes instantly became a family favorite. I love that this dish is simple yet satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The richness of cream paired with the freshness of spinach and acidity of tomatoes creates a delightful balance on your palate. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find it hard to resist making it again!

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-01-16T00:07:33.895Z

Making Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice became a family tradition for us. I love how the simplicity of the ingredients comes together to create comfort food at its finest. We often add leftover chicken or shrimp for a protein boost, making it even more satisfying!

The key to perfecting this dish is to ensure the rice is cooked just right – tender but not mushy. I typically add the spinach towards the end to maintain its vibrant color and freshness. This dish has become a staple in our home, and I hope it brings as much joy to yours as it has to ours!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy texture that envelopes every grain of rice
Fresh spinach and juicy tomatoes create a symphony of flavors
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any weeknight dinner

      

Ingredient Insights

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the cherry tomatoes. I recommend using ripe, high-quality tomatoes as they add a natural sweetness and acidity that balances the creaminess of the sauce. While halving them is ideal for quick cooking, you can roast them beforehand for an intensified flavor—simply toss them in olive oil and roast at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until blistered.

Fresh spinach also plays a crucial role here. Its mild flavor and tender texture meld beautifully with the creamy sauce. If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can substitute it with frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it before adding, as excess water can affect the final texture of your rice. Aim for about half the amount, since frozen spinach reduces significantly in volume.

Cooking Techniques

When sautéing the onion and garlic, maintain medium heat to avoid burning; you want the onion to become translucent, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for the dish. If your garlic begins to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to develop a sweeter flavor without the risk of bitterness.

To ensure perfectly cooked rice, avoid opening the lid during the simmering process. Letting steam escape can lead to unevenly cooked rice. After 15 minutes, check for doneness. If any liquid remains, cover and let it simmer for another minute or two. Each rice variety may require slight adjustments, so keep your rice package instructions in mind for best results.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Serve this Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice warm, topped generously with grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor. I find that a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice enhance the dish immensely, brightening up the rich cream. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a leafy green salad for a complete meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, as the rice may absorb excess moisture. Microwave or warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For longer storage, this dish freezes well—just remember to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious dish:

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 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your creamy masterpiece:

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.

Cook the Rice

Add the rice to the skillet and toast it for a minute before pouring in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.

Add Spinach and Tomatoes

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach and halved tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.

Finish with Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until everything is combined and creamy. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.

Serve

Serve the creamy spinach tomato rice warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delightful Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice!

Pro Tips

To make this dish even richer, feel free to add some cooked chicken or shrimp. If you love some heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!

Variations to Try

For a heartier version, consider adding cooked chicken or chickpeas to the rice before mixing in the cream. This not only enriches the dish but also turns it into a complete meal in one pot. If you're in the mood for a little kick, incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavors nicely.

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables; zucchini or bell peppers can easily be sautéed with the onion for extra nutrition and color. For a lighter option, swap out the heavy cream with a vegan sour cream alternative or coconut cream. Just bear in mind that this will change the flavor profile slightly, so season accordingly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your rice turns out mushy, it's likely due to an excess of liquid or overcooking. To avoid this in the future, measure your broth carefully and stick to the cooking time. If you find the rice is too dry upon finishing, you can stir in a little more cream or broth before serving for a creamier texture.

On the other hand, if your creamy sauce doesn’t seem to thicken, it may need a bit longer to simmer, or you can try adding a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons of water) to help maintain that lush creaminess without adding more fat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

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

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream?

Absolutely! You can use coconut cream or any non-dairy cream substitute to achieve a similar creamy texture.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice and store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stovetop with a little extra broth or water before serving.

→ What can I serve with this rice dish?

This creamy rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or a fresh garden salad!