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 uncooked rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup cream or coconut milk; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice when I need a comforting yet vibrant dish. The combination of creamy textures and fresh vegetables makes it a delightful and satisfying meal. Cooking this rice dish allows me to enjoy the rich flavors of spinach and tomatoes while keeping it simple and quick. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. Plus, the creamy sauce makes every bite feel indulgent without being heavy. It's a dish that celebrates both nutrition and taste!

Created by

Megan Douglas

Last updated on 2026-01-15T23:04:16.634Z

When I first crafted this Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice, I was looking for a way to brighten up plain rice without much fuss. By sautéing garlic and onions before adding the spinach and tomatoes, it enhances the flavor profile dramatically. The freshness from the veggies combined with the creaminess gives the dish an unexpected twist that everyone enjoys.

One key tip I discovered is to use fresh spinach over frozen when possible; it wilts beautifully and retains more of its vibrant color. Adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese at the end really elevates the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy texture that coats every grain of rice
Fresh spinach and tomatoes add vibrant flavors
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights

      

Mastering the Creamy Texture

Achieving the perfect creamy texture in this dish hinges on the right ratio of cream or coconut milk to rice. For a richer flavor, I recommend using heavy cream, but for a lighter alternative, coconut milk works beautifully. Incorporating the cream towards the end and letting it meld for an additional couple of minutes ensures it envelops each grain of rice without becoming overly thick or clumpy.

When mixing in the cheese, opt for freshly grated Parmesan as it melts smoothly, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. Stir constantly as the cheese melts to ensure it evenly coats the rice, avoiding any clumps. If you find the mixture too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of vegetable broth or more cream to enhance the silkiness.

Perfecting Your Vegetables

To fully enjoy the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach and tomatoes, it’s essential to choose high-quality ingredients. Look for firm, bright cherry tomatoes as they will add sweetness and juiciness to your dish. If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the skillet to avoid a watery consistency.

The sautéing process is crucial for bringing out the natural sweetness of the onion and garlic. Cook them until the onion turns translucent, then add spinach and tomatoes quickly to retain their bright colors and nutrients. Overcooking can dull their flavors, so keep an eye on the pan and stir occasionally until the spinach is just wilted.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice is an excellent dish to prepare in advance. You can cook the rice a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop overnight. Just remember to cool the rice completely before refrigerating to prevent it from clumping together. When ready to serve, reheat it in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to restore its creaminess.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheating on the stovetop with a bit of liquid will help revive the consistency. Alternatively, this dish freezes well; just ensure it’s cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in a skillet, stirring to achieve that creamy texture again.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delicious Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cream or coconut milk
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients will create a flavorful and creamy dish.

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice.

Cook the Rice

In a pot, combine the uncooked rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Spinach and Tomatoes

Stir in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are soft, about 4-5 minutes.

Combine and Finish

Add the cooked rice to the skillet along with cream and parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.

Enjoy your delicious creamy rice dish!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers. You can also adjust the cream amount based on your preference for creaminess.

Flavor Variations

For a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne when sautéing the onions and garlic. This subtle kick can elevate the dish without overpowering the fresh flavors. You can also mix in herbs like basil or thyme towards the end of cooking for an aromatic twist that compliments the tomatoes and spinach beautifully.

If you're in the mood for additional protein, shredded chicken or cooked chickpeas can be folded in along with the rice. This transformation makes the dish more filling while still keeping those delicious creaminess and vegetable elements intact.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad to balance its richness. Consider a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a tomato and cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. The acidity from the dressing will complement the creamy flavors of the rice perfectly.

Serving this dish in bowls allows for easy sharing and showcases its beautiful colors. For a gourmet touch, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil on top before plating. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for an added pop of color and freshness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but remember that brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the broth and cooking time accordingly.

→ Is there a vegan option available?

Absolutely! Use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute and omit the parmesan cheese.

→ Can leftovers be stored?

Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

→ What can I serve this with?

This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or can be enjoyed as a standalone vegetarian meal.