Spinach Rice
Creamy spinach rice combines tender cooked rice with savory cream of chicken or mushroom soup, sharp cheddar, and green onions, making a comforting dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1 1/2-quart casserole, combine all ingredients except pimento and mix well.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until cheese melts.
- Stir before serving.
- Garnish with pimento.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can mix in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese. If you prefer, substitute the Cheddar with a different cheese, like mozzarella or a dairy-free alternative. To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic powder or a pinch of nutmeg. This dish can easily be adapted to include other vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, making it versatile for various tastes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spinach Rice as a hearty side dish with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect accompaniment to Paprika Baked Chicken. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables would complement the flavors nicely. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light soup, like Hearty Pork Soup, for a satisfying dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If the rice appears dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist during reheating. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Rice contains roughly 298 calories, with 13g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1143mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just sauté about 1 pound of fresh spinach until wilted and then chop it before adding to the casserole. It may require a bit more seasoning since fresh spinach has a milder flavor compared to frozen.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make the Spinach Rice vegetarian, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade cream sauce. Additionally, ensure that the cheese used is vegetarian-friendly, as some cheeses may contain animal rennet.
What can I do if I don't have green onions?
If you don't have green onions, you can substitute them with chopped shallots or chives for a similar flavor. Alternatively, using finely diced onion will also work, but you may want to sauté them first to soften their flavor before mixing them into the casserole.
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).