Rice Florentine Recipe Easy and Delicious Spinach Rice Meal

Rice Florentine is a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite, combining the creamy richness of spinach with perfectly cooked rice. This dish is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal option for a wholesome meal.

Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian main or a hearty side, Rice Florentine offers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The creamy spinach sauce blends seamlessly with tender rice, creating a satisfying dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want something impressive yet simple. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can add your favorite proteins or tweak the seasoning to suit your palate.

Let’s dive into this recipe and discover why Rice Florentine deserves a place on your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rice Florentine is a fantastic comfort food that’s both nutritious and delicious. The creamy spinach sauce provides a luscious, velvety texture that coats every grain of rice, making every bite rich and flavorful.

Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more leafy greens into your diet without sacrificing taste.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few core ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home.

It’s also very adaptable—perfect for vegetarians or those looking to add some extra veggies to their meals.

Lastly, Rice Florentine reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers. It’s a comforting, wholesome dish that everyone will enjoy, whether served as a main course or a side.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice (or any short-grain rice)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (washed and chopped)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 cups vegetable broth (warm)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater (for Parmesan)

Instructions

1. Prepare the spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Cook the spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Blend the spinach sauce: Transfer the spinach mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
5. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the Arborio rice and toast it gently for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Add broth gradually: Pour in about 1/2 cup of warm vegetable broth and stir constantly until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Continue adding the broth in 1/2 cup increments, stirring frequently, until the rice is creamy and cooked al dente (about 18-20 minutes).
7. Combine rice and spinach sauce: Once the rice is cooked, reduce the heat to low and gently fold in the creamy spinach sauce. Stir until fully incorporated and heated through.
8. Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
9. Serve immediately: Spoon the Rice Florentine onto plates or bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of white wine when cooking the rice. It adds a lovely depth and aroma to the dish.

If you want to add protein, cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu cubes work wonderfully stirred in at the end. For a vegan version, swap the Parmesan and cream for vegan cheese and coconut or cashew cream.

You can also experiment with adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra umami boost.

To make this dish lighter, use low-fat cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. Just be sure to add yogurt off the heat to prevent curdling.

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also brighten the flavors when sprinkled on top before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Rice Florentine pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken or baked fish for added protein.

For a cozy dinner, serve the dish with warm crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture.

Conclusion

Rice Florentine is an elegant yet simple dish that brings together the creaminess of spinach and the comforting texture of rice to create a meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome vegetarian dish or a versatile side that complements a variety of mains.

With its straightforward preparation and rich flavors, Rice Florentine is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this dish offers both comfort and sophistication.

Give it a try and enjoy the beautiful harmony of flavors it brings to your table.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Rice Florentine”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and flavorful rice dish cooked with spinach and cheese. Perfect as a comforting side or a light main course.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup long-grain white rice”, “2 cups chicken or vegetable broth”, “2 cups fresh spinach, chopped”, “1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1/2 cup heavy cream”, “1 small onion, finely chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 tablespoons butter”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Saut\u00e9 onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add rice and stir to coat with the oil and butter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until creamy and heated through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “9 g”, “fatContent”: “15 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “35 g”}}