Spinach-Rice Soup
A comforting spinach and rice soup with savory chicken broth and creamy spinach, perfect for a quick, nutritious meal suited for any time of day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring chicken broth and creamed spinach to a full boil in a medium saucepan.
- Stir in the rice.
- Cover and remove from heat.
- Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Season with pepper and nutmeg before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream just before serving. If you don't have Minute rice, you can use any quick-cooking rice; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to maintain the soup's depth. This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover spinach from dishes like Zucchini Cheddar Bake.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach-Rice Soup is perfect as a light lunch or dinner, and it pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. Consider serving it alongside Microwave Herb Bread for a comforting meal. For additional protein, you can add cooked chicken or beans to the soup before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup thickens too much during storage, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach-Rice Soup contains roughly 533 calories, with 9g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (126% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 24g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of creamed spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach; just thaw and drain it well before adding it to the broth. You may want to add a bit of cream or milk to mimic the creamy texture of creamed spinach.
Is there a way to make this soup spicier?
Absolutely! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup while it cooks for an extra kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just be aware that the rice may absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you might need to add a bit more liquid when reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).