Description
This Creamy Parmesan Spinach Rice with Spicy Garlic Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant dish. The rice is rich, cheesy, and loaded with spinach, while the chicken adds a bold spicy kick. It’s satisfying, easy to reheat, and flexible for different diets.
Ingredients
1 cup Arborio rice
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 cups chicken broth
1 pound chicken tenders or sliced chicken breasts
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sear chicken on both sides for 3–4 minutes until golden. Add minced garlic in the last minute of cooking. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
3. Add warm chicken broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Let the liquid absorb before adding more. Repeat for 15–20 minutes until the rice is creamy and tender.
4. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Add the heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve creamy spinach rice on a plate, topped with spicy garlic chicken. Garnish with red chili flakes or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra creaminess, use warm broth and stir constantly while cooking the rice.
Adjust chili flakes to control the spice level—skip or double them depending on preference.
Use a cast iron skillet for the best chicken sear and crisp edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: creamy rice, garlic chicken, parmesan, spicy chicken