When it comes to comforting meals, there’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of rice. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and familiar or looking to spice things up with international flavors, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 deliciously creamy rice recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
From rich and savory dishes like Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto and Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Rice, to sweet and indulgent treats like Coconut Milk Creamy Rice Pudding and Vanilla Cinnamon Rice Pudding, our collection has something for everyone. So grab a fork and get cozy – let’s dive into the world of creamy rice recipes!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto
A rich and creamy Italian-inspired dish that combines the flavors of garlic, parmesan, and arborio rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the chicken broth in a separate pot and keep warm.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted.
4. Add the white wine (if using) and stir until absorbed.
5. Add 1/2 cup of warmed broth and stir until almost fully absorbed. Repeat this process, adding the broth in 1/2-cup increments, until the rice is cooked and creamy (about 20-25 minutes).
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Rice
This recipe combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms and spinach with creamy rice, perfect for a comforting side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a large saucepan, combine cooked rice, mushroom-spinach mixture, and grated cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine.
6. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and stir until melted and creamy.
7. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Coconut Milk Creamy Rice Pudding
A comforting dessert made with fragrant coconut milk, creamy rice, and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 3 cups water or coconut water
• 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water or coconut water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the coconut milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.
4. Let cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
A comforting and flavorful one-dish meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
– 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, chicken mixture, peas and carrots, cream of chicken soup, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Creamy Tomato Basil Rice
Experience the flavors of Italy with this creamy, aromatic rice dish, infused with fresh tomato and basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream or half-and-half, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Once the rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and add it to the skillet. Stir until well combined and creamy.
6. Stir in chopped fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Lemon Herb Rice
A flavorful and aromatic side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the lemon juice, parsley, and chives to the melted butter. Stir until well combined.
4. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
5. Pour the creamy lemon herb mixture over the rice and stir until the rice is well coated.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Pumpkin Spice Rice Porridge
Warm up with a comforting bowl of creamy pumpkin spice rice porridge, perfect for a chilly fall morning or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt to taste
– Optional: brown sugar, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for topping
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the porridge is creamy and heated through.
5. Serve hot, topped with brown sugar, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Broccoli Cheese Rice
This comforting side dish combines the flavors of creamy cheese, steamed broccoli, and fluffy rice for a delicious accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the grated cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Combine the cooked rice with the broccoli mixture and stir in the heavy cream.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice
A flavorful and spicy dish that combines succulent shrimp with creamy cajun sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and heavy cream. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve the shrimp mixture over cooked rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Butternut Squash Rice
A flavorful and comforting side dish that combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the creaminess of a rich rice mixture.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
3. While the rice cooks, toss the squash with butter, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
4. In a blender or food processor, puree the roasted squash until smooth.
5. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork. Stir in the heavy cream and roasted squash puree until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Creamy Truffle Rice with Wild Mushrooms
Elevate your dinner game with this decadent and earthy dish, featuring sautéed wild mushrooms and creamy truffle rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed wild mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster), sliced
– 1 teaspoon truffle oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan.
2. Add butter and cook until melted.
3. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Stir in truffle oil and cook for an additional minute.
6. Add rice to the saucepan and stir to combine with mushroom mixture.
7. Cook according to package instructions or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 18-20 minutes.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Pesto Rice with Pine Nuts
Elevate your meal game with this creamy and flavorful rice dish, infused with the richness of pesto and crunch of pine nuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using the water and a pinch of salt.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the pesto and stir until smooth and heated through (about 30 seconds).
4. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and add it to the skillet with the pesto mixture.
5. Stir until the rice is well coated, then season with salt to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and toasted pine nuts.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Bacon and Pea Rice
Elevate your mealtime with this creamy, savory, and comforting dish that combines the flavors of crispy bacon, sweet peas, and fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the crumbled bacon and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the frozen peas to the skillet and stir until they’re tender, about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Combine cooked rice with the bacon-pea mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Creamy Saffron Rice with Almonds
Elevate your meal with this aromatic and creamy saffron rice dish, infused with the crunch of toasted almonds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Stir in the soaked saffron threads, butter, parsley, and salt.
5. In a small skillet, toast the almonds over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned.
6. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to combine with the saffron mixture.
7. Fold in the toasted almonds.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Miso Butter Rice
Elevate your rice game with this savory and aromatic dish that combines the richness of butter, the depth of miso paste, and the comfort of creamy goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
3. While the rice cooks, mix the softened butter, miso paste, and heavy cream in a small bowl until smooth.
4. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Add the butter-miso mixture and stir until well combined. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Rice
A flavorful side dish that combines the creaminess of garlic butter, the sweetness of artichokes, and the nutrients of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
4. Add chopped artichoke hearts and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Stir in garlic, spinach leaves, salt, and pepper. Cook until spinach is wilted.
6. Fluff cooked rice with a fork and stir in the creamy spinach-artichoke mixture.
7. Transfer the dish to a baking dish and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Creamy Chipotle Lime Rice
Add a burst of flavor to your meal with this creamy chipotle lime rice recipe, perfect for accompanying grilled meats or vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat with oil and mix with onion and garlic.
5. Add the water to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
7. Stir in the heavy cream, chipotle pepper, and lime juice.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Vanilla Cinnamon Rice Pudding
A comforting and aromatic dessert perfect for any occasion, this creamy rice pudding combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of vanilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice (preferably day-old rice)
– 2 cups milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cooked rice, milk, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the pudding has thickened and the rice is creamy.
3. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon and vanilla extract.
4. Pour into individual serving cups or a large serving dish. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the pudding.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to cozy up with these 18 creamy rice recipes that are sure to become your new comfort food staples! From classic risottos and casseroles to innovative flavor combinations like coconut milk pudding and truffle wild mushroom, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a creamy garlic parmesan risotto or a spicy chipotle lime rice, these recipes will satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, indulge in these rich and satisfying dishes that are sure to become family favorites.
