Bringing comfort to your table has never been easier with these 16 delicious creamy rice recipes! Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, our roundup has something to satisfy every craving. From rich and cheesy to light and flavorful, these dishes promise to turn simple rice into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Dive in and discover your next favorite meal!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of creamy garlic parmesan rice, a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This simple yet flavorful recipe transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special, with each bite offering a perfect balance of creamy texture and bold garlic parmesan flavors.
Ingredients
– Rice – 1 cup
– Butter – 2 tbsp
– Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
– Chicken broth – 2 cups
– Heavy cream – ½ cup
– Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until fully liquid and slightly bubbly, about 1 minute.
2. Add minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until fragrant and lightly golden, about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Pour in the rice, stirring to coat each grain with the butter and garlic mixture, toasting for 1 minute to enhance its nutty flavor.
4. Slowly add chicken broth, stirring to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for 18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
6. Remove the skillet from heat, stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
7. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to your preference, then let the rice sit covered for 2 minutes to thicken.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to ensure a light and creamy texture.
Generously spoon the creamy garlic parmesan rice into bowls, marveling at its velvety texture and the way the parmesan melts seamlessly into each grain. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of truffle oil, elevating this humble dish into a gourmet experience.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Remembering the first time I stirred a pot of risotto, the way the Arborio rice slowly absorbed the broth, transforming into a creamy dream, feels like a quiet afternoon spent in the kitchen, just me and the simmering sounds.
Ingredients
- Arborio rice – 1.5 cups
- Chicken broth – 4 cups
- Mushrooms – 8 oz, sliced
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Onion – 1, finely chopped
- White wine – ½ cup
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
- Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Heat chicken broth in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering, then reduce heat to low to keep warm.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add onions, cooking until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add mushrooms to the pot, cooking until they release their moisture and brown slightly, about 8 minutes. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even browning.
- Stir in Arborio rice, coating it with the oil and butter, toasting for 2 minutes until the edges become translucent.
- Pour in white wine, stirring constantly until fully absorbed.
- Begin adding warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until each addition is nearly absorbed before adding the next. Tip: Maintain a gentle simmer to cook the rice evenly.
- Continue adding broth and stirring until the rice is al dente and the mixture is creamy, about 18-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in remaining 1 tbsp butter and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt. Tip: Let the risotto rest for 2 minutes before serving to thicken slightly.
Zesty with a hint of earthiness from the mushrooms, this risotto boasts a velvety texture that clings lovingly to the spoon. Serve it in shallow bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of truffle oil for an extra touch of luxury.
Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding
Gently, the creamy coconut rice pudding invites you into a moment of comfort, its simplicity a quiet rebellion against the day’s chaos. This dish, with its tender grains and sweet, fragrant coconut, is a whisper of warmth in a bowl.
Ingredients
- White rice – 1 cup
- Coconut milk – 2 cups
- Water – 1 cup
- Sugar – ½ cup
- Salt – ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Tip: A wooden spoon is gentle on the rice and prevents breaking the grains.
- After 25 minutes, stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Continue to cook uncovered for another 10 minutes, allowing the pudding to thicken. Tip: The pudding should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, toast some coconut flakes to sprinkle on top.
This pudding cradles the palate with its velvety texture, each spoonful a blend of creamy coconut and soft, yielding rice. Serve it warm with a drizzle of honey or chilled with fresh mango slices for a contrast in temperatures and tastes.
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Dusk settles softly outside, and the kitchen fills with the comforting aroma of a dish that feels like a warm embrace. This creamy chicken and rice casserole is simplicity itself, yet it carries the depth of flavors that speak to the soul.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts – 2, boneless and skinless
- White rice – 1 cup
- Chicken broth – 2 cups
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp
- Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 cup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the seasoned chicken evenly at the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the white rice over the chicken, spreading it out evenly.
- Gently pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the rice and chicken, ensuring the rice is fully submerged.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Just as the evening unfolds, this casserole reveals layers of creamy, cheesy goodness with each bite. The rice, tender and infused with the richness of the broth and cream, pairs perfectly with the succulent chicken. Serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a meal that comforts and satisfies.
Creamy Spinach and Rice Bake
Now, as the evening light fades, there’s something deeply comforting about preparing a dish that feels like a warm hug. This creamy spinach and rice bake is just that—a simple, nourishing meal that brings together the earthy tones of spinach with the creamy richness of cheese, all nestled in fluffy rice.
Ingredients
- Rice – 1 cup
- Spinach – 2 cups
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Shredded cheese – 1 cup
- Garlic – 2 cloves
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions, then set aside to cool slightly. Tip: Fluff the rice with a fork to prevent clumping.
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the spinach to the pan and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Tip: Overcooking spinach can make it lose its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth, about 3 minutes.
- Combine the creamy spinach mixture with the cooked rice, stirring gently to mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Tip: For an extra crispy top, broil for the last 2 minutes.
The texture of this bake is wonderfully creamy with a slight crunch from the baked top, offering a delightful contrast. The flavors meld beautifully, with the spinach adding a fresh, slightly bitter note against the richness of the cream and cheese. Try serving it alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
Creamy Tomato Basil Rice
Evening light filters through the kitchen window as I stir together this simple, comforting dish, a reminder of how the simplest ingredients can weave together into something deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- Rice – 1 cup
- Tomato sauce – 1 cup
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Fresh basil – ¼ cup, chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the rice, stirring to coat each grain with oil, and toast for 2 minutes until slightly translucent.
- Add tomato sauce and 2 cups of water, bringing the mixture to a boil. Tip: For a richer flavor, substitute water with vegetable broth.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in heavy cream and chopped basil, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Tip: Add the basil at the end to preserve its vibrant color and fresh taste.
- Season with salt, adjusting as needed, and remove from heat. Tip: Let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes before serving to enhance the creaminess.
Here, the rice emerges luxuriously creamy, with the tomato and basil offering a bright contrast. Consider topping with a drizzle of olive oil and extra basil leaves for a visually appealing finish that hints at the freshness within.
Creamy Shrimp and Rice Skillet
Yesterday, as the evening light faded, I found myself craving something both comforting and effortlessly elegant. This dish, with its creamy texture and the sweet, briny pop of shrimp, was the answer.
Ingredients
- Shrimp – 1 lb
- Rice – 1 cup
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Garlic – 2 cloves
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Chicken broth – 2 cups
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain. This removes excess starch for fluffier rice.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with butter. Toast for 2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 minutes.
- While the rice cooks, season shrimp with salt and pepper. In a separate pan, cook shrimp over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side until pink.
- Once the rice is tender, stir in heavy cream and cooked shrimp. Heat through for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
With its creamy base and tender shrimp, this dish is a study in contrasts. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a touch of color and freshness.
Creamy Pumpkin Rice
Just as the leaves begin to whisper the arrival of autumn, this creamy pumpkin rice emerges as a comforting embrace, blending the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the creamy texture of perfectly cooked rice.
Ingredients
- Pumpkin puree – 1 cup
- White rice – 1 cup
- Vegetable broth – 2 cups
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the rinsed rice, stirring to coat each grain with butter.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes.
- Remove the lid and gently fold in the pumpkin puree and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture is evenly combined without overmixing.
- Cover the saucepan again and let it sit off the heat for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season with salt, stirring gently to incorporate.
Rich and velvety, this dish carries the warmth of pumpkin in every spoonful, its creaminess balanced by the slight bite of the rice. Serve it as a standalone comfort dish or alongside roasted vegetables for a fuller meal.
Creamy Broccoli Cheese Rice
Dusk settles softly outside, and here in the kitchen, the warmth of the oven promises comfort. This creamy broccoli cheese rice is a humble dish, yet it holds the power to soothe and satisfy with its tender grains and velvety sauce.
Ingredients
- White rice – 1 cup
- Broccoli florets – 2 cups
- Cheddar cheese – 1 cup, shredded
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the white rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Tip: Resist the urge to peek; keeping the lid on ensures perfectly steamed rice.
- While the rice cooks, steam the broccoli florets for 5 minutes until bright green and just tender. Tip: Steaming preserves the broccoli’s nutrients and color better than boiling.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, butter, and salt. Stir gently until the cheese begins to melt.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden. Tip: For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Rich and comforting, this dish offers a delightful contrast between the creamy rice and the slight crunch of broccoli. Serve it straight from the oven, perhaps with a sprinkle of extra cheese or a dash of hot sauce for those who favor a little heat.
Creamy Lemon Herb Rice
Zenith moments in the kitchen often come from the simplest dishes, where each ingredient sings in harmony. Today, let’s embrace the quiet joy of making Creamy Lemon Herb Rice, a dish that whispers of summer evenings and the comfort of home.
Ingredients
- Rice – 1 cup
- Chicken broth – 2 cups
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Lemon zest – 1 tbsp
- Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
- Fresh parsley – ¼ cup, chopped
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the rice, stirring to coat each grain.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Tip: Resist the urge to peek; keeping the lid on ensures even cooking.
- Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Tip: This resting period allows the rice to steam and become fluffier.
- Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley until well combined. Tip: Add the lemon juice gradually to balance the creaminess with the right amount of tang.
- Season with salt, adjusting as needed, and serve warm.
Buttery and bright, this rice carries a velvety texture with bursts of citrus and herbs. Try it alongside grilled fish or tucked into a bowl with roasted vegetables for a light, satisfying meal.
Creamy Bacon and Pea Rice
Just like the quiet moments before dawn, this dish brings a comforting simplicity to the table, blending familiar flavors into something unexpectedly soothing.
Ingredients
- Bacon – 4 slices
- Peas – 1 cup
- Rice – 2 cups
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add peas, stirring occasionally until they are bright green and slightly tender, about 3 minutes.
- Add rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the butter and peas, then pour in heavy cream and sprinkle salt. Stir gently to combine.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the cream.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it into the rice mixture just before serving, reserving a little for garnish if desired.
Lusciously creamy with the salty crunch of bacon and the sweet pop of peas, this dish is a study in contrasts. Try serving it in a warm bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a touch of color.
Creamy Sweet Corn Rice
Moments like these call for simplicity, a return to the basics with a dish that comforts as much as it satisfies. Creamy sweet corn rice is that gentle reminder of home, a blend of simplicity and warmth in every bite.
Ingredients
- Rice – 1 cup
- Sweet corn – 1 cup
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, to remove excess starch.
- In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring gently to coat each grain with butter.
- Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
- Stir in the sweet corn and heavy cream, mixing gently to combine without breaking the rice.
- Season with salt, then cover the pot and let it sit off the heat for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Delightfully creamy with a subtle sweetness from the corn, this dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or as a comforting side to grilled meats. The texture is luxuriously soft, with each grain of rice enveloped in a velvety cream, making it a versatile base for countless variations.
Creamy Avocado Lime Rice
Zenith moments in the kitchen often come from the simplest combinations, like this creamy avocado lime rice that whispers of summer with every bite. It’s a dish that cradles comfort in its creaminess while dancing lightly with the zest of lime, a humble yet vibrant side that turns any meal into a celebration.
Ingredients
- White rice – 1 cup
- Water – 2 cups
- Avocado – 1, ripe
- Lime – 1
- Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Tip: Resist the urge to peek; keeping the lid on ensures even cooking.
- While the rice cooks, halve the avocado, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Squeeze the juice of half the lime over the avocado and add the salt. Mash with a fork until smooth but slightly chunky for texture.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam and become fluffy. Tip: This resting period is crucial for perfect rice texture.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently fold in the avocado mixture until evenly distributed. Tip: For extra flavor, zest the remaining lime half over the rice before squeezing in its juice.
Just as it is, this rice offers a creamy texture with bright lime highlights, a side that stands proudly next to grilled fish or tucked into a burrito bowl. For a playful twist, serve it chilled as a base for a summer salad, letting the avocado lime dressing coat each grain like a delicate embrace.
Creamy Butternut Squash Rice
Kindly imagine a quiet evening where the air carries a hint of autumn, and the kitchen fills with the warm, nutty aroma of butternut squash transforming into something unexpectedly creamy and comforting.
Ingredients
- Butternut squash – 2 cups, cubed
- Rice – 1 cup
- Vegetable broth – 2 cups
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Toss the butternut squash cubes with 1 tbsp of butter and ½ tsp of salt, then spread them on a baking sheet.
- Roast the squash for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the squash roasts, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium pot, melt the remaining 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat, then add the rice, stirring to coat each grain with butter.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, gently fold in the roasted butternut squash and heavy cream until the mixture is creamy and uniform.
- Season with the remaining ½ tsp of salt, adjusting carefully as the broth may have added saltiness.
Now, this dish presents a velvety texture with the rice grains perfectly separate yet enveloped in the squash’s sweetness. For a festive twist, serve it in hollowed-out mini pumpkins, letting their natural bowls add an earthy note to each bite.
Creamy Wild Rice Soup
Dusk settles softly outside, the kind of evening that calls for a bowl of something warm and comforting. This creamy wild rice soup, with its humble beginnings and rich, velvety finish, is just the thing to soothe the soul as the light fades.
Ingredients
- Wild rice – 1 cup
- Chicken broth – 4 cups
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Onion – 1, diced
- Carrots – 2, diced
- Celery – 2 stalks, diced
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Rinse the wild rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the rinsed wild rice to the pot, stirring to coat the grains with the butter and vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper, heating through for an additional 5 minutes. Tip: For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning if necessary, then remove from heat. Tip: Letting the soup sit for 10 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve hot. Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of crispy bacon for added texture and flavor.
Gently ladled into bowls, this soup offers a creamy texture with the satisfying chew of wild rice. The subtle sweetness of the carrots and the depth of the broth make each spoonful a comforting embrace. Consider serving with a slice of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Creamy Saffron Rice
Lately, I’ve found myself drawn to the simplicity and warmth of dishes that speak to the soul, and this creamy saffron rice is no exception. It’s a dish that whispers of comfort and luxury in the same breath, perfect for those quiet evenings when the world seems to slow down.
Ingredients
- Basmati rice – 1 cup
- Water – 2 cups
- Saffron threads – ½ tsp
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Butter – 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, to remove excess starch.
- In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tbsp of warm water for 10 minutes, to release their color and aroma.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
- Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan, stirring gently to coat each grain with butter.
- Pour in the 2 cups of water and add the salt, then increase the heat to bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes, without stirring.
- After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork, then drizzle the heavy cream and the saffron water over the rice, folding gently to distribute the saffron evenly without breaking the grains.
- Cover the saucepan again and let it sit for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
You’ll find the rice luxuriously creamy, with the saffron lending a subtle floral note that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. Serve it alongside a simple grilled fish or as a bed for roasted vegetables to let its delicate flavors shine.
Conclusion
Absolutely delightful, these 16 creamy rice recipes are a treasure trove of comfort and flavor, perfect for any home cook looking to spice up their meal rotation. We hope you’re inspired to try these dishes, share your favorites in the comments, and spread the love by pinning this article on Pinterest. Happy cooking!