Creamy Garlic Rice with Spinach

Name: Creamy Garlic Rice with Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup of long-grain rice; 2 tablespoons of olive oil; 4 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup of vegetable broth; 1/2 cup of cream cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

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I absolutely love whipping up this Creamy Garlic Rice with Spinach when I'm in the mood for something comforting yet simple. The earthy flavors of the spinach combined with the rich, garlicky creaminess make every bite a delight. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some greens without sacrificing any taste!

Created by

Maeve Colchester

Last updated on 2026-01-15T15:25:44.152Z

When I first created this recipe, I wanted a quick dish that didn’t compromise on flavor. The secret to its creaminess lies in a combination of cream cheese and broth, which gives the rice a luscious texture. Every time I serve it, I receive compliments about how well the garlic melds with the spinach, creating a delightful balance that highlights both ingredients.

One tip I’ve found helpful is to sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Instead of just using plain water to cook the rice, I suggest using vegetable broth for an added depth of flavor. This has truly transformed the way my family views rice as a side dish!

        What You'll Love About This Recipe
        Creamy texture that pairs perfectly with sautéed spinach
Loaded with garlicky goodness, sure to please garlic lovers
Quick and easy to make, ideal for busy evenings

      

Perfecting the Creamy Texture

Achieving that luscious, creamy texture in this dish is all about the right balance of cream cheese and rice. When you incorporate the cream cheese into the rice and spinach, make sure it's at room temperature for easier blending. This helps it melt seamlessly, avoiding any lumps. If you're short on time, cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces before adding it, which will expedite the melting process.

For those who prefer a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. This swap will still yield a creamy consistency while adding a slight tanginess. Just fold it in gently at the end to maintain its velvety texture, ensuring your creamy garlic rice remains a comforting dish.

Enhancing Flavor with Garlic

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the garlic, which infuses the dish with aromatic warmth. To avoid bitterness, watch your sautéing time; garlic should be cooked until fragrant but not browned, typically about 1 minute. If you want a deeper flavor, try roasting the garlic beforehand. Roasting mellows its pungency and adds a subtle sweetness that elevates the overall taste of the dish.

If you're looking to add more depth, consider including a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. This little addition will introduce a warming spice that complements the lush creaminess beautifully. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference, but start with a small pinch to taste if you're unsure.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This creamy garlic rice pairs well with a variety of proteins, making it a versatile side dish. For a complete meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or pan-seared shrimp. I often prepare it on nights when I have leftover rotisserie chicken; simply toss it in towards the end for a quick, hearty dinner that uses up leftovers creatively.

Variations are endless when it comes to the green components of this recipe. Feel free to swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard, adjusting the cooking time since kale may need a bit longer to wilt down. You could also throw in some frozen peas or thawed edamame at the end for added texture and color. Just remember to adjust any seasoning accordingly.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious dish:

Ingredients

1 cup of long-grain rice
2 tablespoons of olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup of vegetable broth
1/2 cup of cream cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Now that you have everything prepared, let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Creamy Garlic Rice:

Cook the Rice

In a medium pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rice, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 18 minutes or until rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Sauté Garlic and Spinach

While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it doesn't brown. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.

Combine Ingredients

Once the rice is done, stir it into the skillet with the garlic and spinach. Add the cream cheese and mix until everything is well combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Transfer the creamy garlic rice to a serving dish or individual plates. Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Your Creamy Garlic Rice with Spinach is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a side or make it the star of your meal.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can add a pinch of chili flakes for some heat. This dish can also be customized with other vegetables like peas or mushrooms for variety.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prep this dish in advance, you can cook the rice and sauté the garlic and spinach ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, then finish with the cream cheese to maintain that creamy consistency.

For even easier meal prep, consider making a larger batch of this creamy garlic rice and freezing portions. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or a few tablespoons of water to help revive the creamy texture as it warms.

Common Troubleshooting

One common issue people encounter with creamy dishes is separation or curdling, especially with cream cheese. To prevent this, ensure that the heat is low when mixing in the cream cheese. If that happens, don’t panic—just whisk in a splash of broth to bring it back together smoothly.

Another potential hiccup is the rice being too sticky or mushy. This can be avoided by rinsing the rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. Make sure also to measure your broth correctly; too much liquid can lead to a heavy texture rather than the light, creamy consistency we're aiming for.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook.

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative?

Absolutely! You can use a dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream for a similar texture.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat it with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.

→ What can I serve this with?

This creamy rice pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, or can be served as a filling vegetarian main.