Creamy Lemon Spinach Rice

Name: Creamy Lemon Spinach Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love how simple yet flavorful this Creamy Lemon Spinach Rice is! The combination of creamy rice with the zest of lemon and the nutrition of spinach creates a dish that feels both indulgent and light. In just 30 minutes, I can whip this up for a quick dinner or impress friends at a gathering. Each bite is rich and satisfying, and I often find myself going back for seconds. Plus, the vibrant color of the spinach elevates the presentation just beautifully!

Created by

Rosalie Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-01-15T15:13:25.174Z

When I first made Creamy Lemon Spinach Rice, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it came together and how delicious it turned out. The creaminess from the cheese blends beautifully with the tartness of the lemon, making every mouthful exciting. I recommend using fresh spinach for the best flavor, but frozen works fine if that’s what you have.

One tip that I found helpful is to cook the rice in vegetable broth instead of water; this adds an extra layer of flavor that truly elevates the dish. I also like to finish it with a sprinkle of parmesan and a dash of extra lemon juice for that tangy kick!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bright lemon flavor enhances the creamy texture of the rice
Packed with nutrients thanks to fresh spinach
Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion
Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or main course

      

Ingredient Insights

The choice of Arborio rice is crucial in this recipe, as its high starch content contributes to the creamy texture that is the hallmark of risotto-style dishes. Unlike standard long-grain rice, Arborio absorbs more liquid and releases starch, creating a luscious consistency. If you cannot find Arborio, you can substitute with Carnaroli or even a short-grain sushi rice, but be aware that the texture may vary slightly.

Using fresh spinach not only adds vibrant color to the dish but also packs it with nutrients. If you prefer, frozen spinach can be used as a substitute; just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. Fresh spinach wilts quickly, so you only need to stir it in until it just softens, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Key Cooking Techniques

When cooking the rice, maintaining a gentle simmer is important. If the heat is too high, the broth may evaporate too quickly, leading to uneven cooking and potentially undercooked rice. Stir occasionally, but not too vigorously, as this can break the grains. You’re aiming for a creamy consistency, so just enough stirring to avoid sticking is perfect.

After adding the heavy cream and spinach, taking a moment to let the flavors meld is key. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for an additional 3-5 minutes after stirring in the lemon zest and juice. This not only integrates the flavors but also helps achieve the desired creamy finish. The dish should look glossy and slightly thickened when ready.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious dish:

Ingredients

1 cup Arborio rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go for the best cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Creamy Lemon Spinach Rice:

Cook the Rice

In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the Arborio rice, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Cook for about 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is creamy and cooked through.

Add Spinach and Cream

Stir in the chopped spinach and heavy cream, mixing until the spinach wilts and the mixture is creamy. Add the lemon zest and juice, and stir to combine.

Finish with Cheese

Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add more lemon juice for an extra kick.

Serve

Spoon the creamy rice into bowls and enjoy warm, garnished with more grated Parmesan if you like!

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Lemon Spinach Rice!

Pro Tips

For a vegetarian-friendly dish, ensure that the Parmesan cheese you use is made without animal rennet. Additionally, you can substitute quinoa for rice for a gluten-free option!

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Lemon Spinach Rice can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for meal prep. Cook the rice according to the recipe and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency.

If you're considering freezing leftovers, keep in mind that the texture might change slightly after thawing. It's best to freeze the dish without adding cheese. Once thawed, reheat gently and then stir in fresh Parmesan for that creamy finish. Consume within 2-3 months for best quality.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a suitable main course. Alternatively, serve it as a side dish alongside steak or roasted vegetables. Its bright lemon flavor complements rich meats, balancing the meal beautifully. For a vegetarian option, consider adding roasted chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for added protein and texture.

To elevate the presentation, consider garnishing the rice with additional lemon zest and freshly cracked black pepper before serving. A sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or basil can also add an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color, bringing an inviting touch to your table.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.

→ What can I substitute for Arborio rice?

You can use other short-grain rice varieties like Carnaroli or even regular white rice, but the texture may differ.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

To make this dish vegan, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream and omit the Parmesan.

→ How long can I store the leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove for the best texture!