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 rice (preferably basmati or jasmine); 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice for dinner. It’s a dish that combines creamy textures with the freshness of spinach and the vibrant flavor of tomatoes. Whether I whip it up on a busy weeknight or serve it to guests, it's always a hit. The best part is how simple it is to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes! I often pair it with grilled chicken or a crisp salad for a complete meal that leaves everyone feeling satisfied. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Created by

Imogen Walker

Last updated on 2026-01-16T00:43:12.380Z

When I first created this Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice, I wanted to highlight the incredible flavors of fresh ingredients while keeping the cooking process quick. Sautéing the spinach and tomatoes first infuses them with flavor, and then you add cream and rice, creating a creamy embrace of goodness. It’s surprisingly filling, too!

The real secret lies in simmering the rice gently in vegetable broth; it amplifies the flavors and ensures that the grains are delightfully fluffy. I also love experimenting by adding different spices or a touch of cheese for additional flavor. It's a versatile dish that suits any occasion.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy texture that perfectly complements the freshness of spinach
A delightful blend of flavors that gets even better as leftovers
Quick and simple to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of rice is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice. Basmati or jasmine rice are ideal options due to their fluffy consistency after cooking. If using brown rice for a healthier variation, remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio; brown rice typically requires more water and a longer simmering time of around 30-40 minutes to become tender.

Fresh spinach not only adds a pop of color but also offers significant health benefits, being rich in vitamins A and C. To maintain its vibrant green hue, be mindful not to overcook it. Once the spinach wilts, you can immediately add the heavy cream without letting it cook down too much, which helps preserve both flavor and nutrients.

Cooking Techniques to Remember

Sautéing the onion and garlic until translucent is more than just a step; it forms the flavor base of your dish. Make sure to keep the heat medium to avoid burning. If you notice bits starting to stick to the pot, it’s time to add the rice and broth. This allows the rice to absorb those aromatic flavors as it cooks, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

When combining the cooked rice with the creamy mixture, use a gentle folding motion rather than stirring vigorously. This preserves the integrity of the rice grains, preventing them from breaking apart and resulting in a pleasing texture. You want to achieve a creamy consistency where the rice is enveloped in that luscious spinach-tomato sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a well-rounded meal. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, a side of roasted chickpeas can add protein and texture. Consider serving it with a light, citrus vinaigrette salad on the side for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the rice.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out, ensuring it remains creamy. This dish also freezes well, and you can thaw it overnight in the fridge for a quick meal on busy days.

Ingredients

For the Rice:

1 cup rice (preferably basmati or jasmine)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Creamy Mixture:

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Rice

In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic for an additional minute. Add rice and vegetable broth, bringing to a gentle boil. Cover and reduce heat to low, cooking for 15 minutes, or until rice is tender.

Make the Creamy Mixture

In a large skillet, combine spinach and tomatoes over medium heat. Cook until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer for 3 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and gently fold it into the creamy spinach-tomato mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if using, and serve hot.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. This dish can also be made with leftover rice, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Customizing Your Creamy Rice

Feel free to add extra vegetables to your creamy mixture for more nutrition and flavor. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even artichoke hearts can be wonderful additions, just make sure to chop them into small pieces so that they cook through in the same time as the spinach. If you prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish to the next level.

For those who are dairy-free, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for a similarly rich texture without any dairy. Nutritional yeast can also be sprinkled for a cheesy flavor without adding dairy, making the dish suitable for vegan diets.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your rice is consistently coming out mushy, it can be an issue with the water ratio. Basmati and jasmine rice typically require a 1:2 ratio, but depending on how tightly your pot seals, you may need to reduce the broth slightly. Adopting the 'less is more' approach with liquid can prevent overcooking.

Sometimes, the creamy mixture may seem too thin after incorporating the heavy cream. To remedy this, simply allow it to simmer a few minutes longer on low heat—this will help thicken the sauce. Always taste and adjust seasoning afterward, especially if you’re adding new ingredients or substituting elements.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the spinach and tomato mixture in advance and combine it with freshly cooked rice just before serving.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter, dairy-free option.

→ Can I freeze Creamy Spinach Tomato Rice?

While it's best fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

→ What proteins pair well with this dish?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu complement the flavors nicely and make it a heartier meal.