Creamy Mushroom Spinach Rice
Highlighted under: Home Comfort Food Recipes
I absolutely love making creamy mushroom spinach rice on cozy evenings. This dish combines the earthiness of mushrooms with the vibrant green of spinach, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce. It's comforting, filling, and perfect as a side or a main. The secret to its rich flavor lies in sautéing the mushrooms until they’re golden brown, which brings out their natural umami. Pair it with your favorite protein, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will enjoy.
When I first attempted to make creamy mushroom spinach rice, I had no idea it would become a staple in my home. I used a mix of fresh spinach and hearty mushrooms, which created layers of flavor that truly delighted my taste buds. The process of gently cooking the mushrooms before adding them to the rice is essential for developing that rich, savory edge.
One tip I learned along the way is to utilize vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the rice, which enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. By finishing it with a splash of cream and a sprinkle of Parmesan, I discovered the ultimate comfort food that pleases everyone at the dinner table!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, savory flavors perfectly balanced with creamy textures
- Quick and simple preparation that fits into a busy weeknight
- Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a main course
Ingredients
Ingredients for Creamy Mushroom Spinach Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Incorporate sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown.
Cook the Rice
Add Arborio rice to the skillet and stir for a minute. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is creamy.
Add Spinach and Cream
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Then, add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing well until everything is combined. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve
Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
For added richness, consider using half-and-half instead of just cream.
Pro Tips
- Experiment with different types of mushrooms, like shiitake or portobello, for varying flavors. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use brown rice instead of Arborio?
You can, but cooking times will vary, and brown rice won't give you the same creamy texture.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
→ Can I make this vegan?
Yes, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
Creamy mushroom spinach rice pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or can be enjoyed as a standalone vegetarian meal.
Creamy Mushroom Spinach Rice
I absolutely love making creamy mushroom spinach rice on cozy evenings. This dish combines the earthiness of mushrooms with the vibrant green of spinach, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce. It's comforting, filling, and perfect as a side or a main. The secret to its rich flavor lies in sautéing the mushrooms until they’re golden brown, which brings out their natural umami. Pair it with your favorite protein, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will enjoy.
Created by: Charlotte Wilson
Recipe Type: Home Comfort Food Recipes
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Incorporate sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown.
Add Arborio rice to the skillet and stir for a minute. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is creamy.
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Then, add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing well until everything is combined. Season with salt and pepper.
Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Extra Tips
- Experiment with different types of mushrooms, like shiitake or portobello, for varying flavors. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 6g