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 long-grain white rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional garnish: Parmesan cheese

Highlighted under: Heartfelt Kitchen

I absolutely love this Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice dish! It’s a wonderful medley of flavors that makes for a perfect weeknight dinner or an impressive side for special occasions. The creamy sauce envelops the rice, making it rich and comforting, while the spinach and tomatoes add a fresh pop of color and flavor. I always find myself going back for seconds when I make this, and I’m excited to share the magic of this recipe with you. Trust me, you’ll want this dish in your recipe collection!

Created by

Adeline Morris

Last updated on 2026-01-16T01:24:58.733Z

When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was looking for something that would fill my kitchen with delightful aromas and warmth. The combination of creamy, savory flavors from the spinach and tomatoes instantly drew me in. After a few trials, I discovered that using fresh spinach instead of frozen makes all the difference in texture and taste.

I like to enhance the flavor with a squeeze of lemon juice at the end, which brightens the entire dish and elevates it to another level. Whether served as a main course or on the side, this rice dish never disappoints and always garners compliments!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy texture that warms your heart
Fresh ingredients that brighten up the dish
Easy to make, perfect for any skill level

Ingredient Insights

The choice of rice plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture for this Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice. I recommend using long-grain white rice, as it tends to remain fluffy and non-sticky after cooking. Avoid using jasmine or basmati rice in this recipe, as their distinct flavors might overshadow the creamy sauce and the fresh vegetables.

Heavy cream is the star of the creamy sauce, providing a rich and luscious texture that clings to the rice and vegetables. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative like coconut cream; just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor.

Cooking Techniques to Perfect Your Dish

When sautéing the onions and garlic, it’s essential to not rush this step. Cook them at medium heat until the onions become translucent and fragrant, roughly 3–5 minutes. This gentle cooking ensures that all the flavors meld beautifully without burning the garlic, which can turn bitter and overpower your dish.

Stirring in the spinach and tomatoes until the spinach wilts slightly and the tomatoes soften is pivotal for getting the right flavor balance. This usually takes about 3–4 minutes. If you find that your spinach is taking longer to wilt, you can cover the skillet for a minute to trap steam and speed up the cooking process.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnish: Parmesan cheese

Mix everything well before serving.

Instructions

Steps to Prepare Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice

Cook the Rice

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

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Mix in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add Spinach and Tomatoes

Stir in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking until the spinach wilts down and tomatoes soften.

Combine with Rice

Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the heavy cream and stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy!

Tip: Serve with a side salad for a complete meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. You can also substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the rice and sauté the vegetables a day ahead. Store the cooked rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy your Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice, simply combine everything in a skillet over low heat, adding the cream and seasonings. This reheating process keeps the dish fresh and creamy without compromising flavor.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days in a sealed container. To reheat, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore creaminess and prevent the rice from drying out. Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For an even heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp to the dish. Simply toss in your choice of protein after adding the rice and cream, allowing extra time to heat through. This addition not only enhances the nutritional value but also makes the dish even more satisfying for larger appetites.

You can also brighten the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving, which adds a lovely acidity that complements the creamy sauce. Additionally, experiment with herb infusions like fresh basil or parsley for an aromatic finish; just sprinkle them over the top right before serving for a vibrant touch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and possibly the amount of broth since brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Use plant-based cream and vegetable broth to make it vegan-friendly. You can also skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.

→ How long does the dish keep in the fridge?

The Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on low heat, adding a bit of broth or water if it appears dry.

→ Can I add protein to this recipe?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are great choices for adding protein to make this dish even more hearty.