Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's as comforting as it is delicious? Say hello to Cheesy Spinach and Garlic Rice—a mouthwatering Italian-inspired recipe that combines creamy cheese, vibrant spinach, and aromatic garlic, all nestled in fluffy rice. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make, cheesy delight that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring once to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is completely absorbed.
- While the rice is cooking, finely mince the garlic cloves and roughly chop the fresh spinach leaves.
- After the rice is cooked, remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and become fluffy.
- Uncover the rice and fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Stir in the minced garlic, chopped spinach, and shredded cheese. The residual heat will wilt the spinach and melt the cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, gently mixing to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Let the rice sit for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish or light main course, garnishing with additional cheese if desired.
Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Start by rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold water. This step removes excess starch, ensuring your rice turns out fluffy and non-sticky.
- Perfect Broth Ratio: For a more flavorful dish, consider using homemade vegetable broth or adding herbs to your store-bought broth.
- Garlic Timing: To maximize the flavor of the garlic, add it to the rice just after it’s cooked and let it sit covered for a few minutes. This allows the garlic to infuse its aroma without becoming overpowering.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar and mozzarella are fantastic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan or Gruyère for a unique twist.
- Add More Greens: If you love greens, feel free to throw in other vegetables like kale or peas for added nutrition and color.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal. Garnish with extra cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
