Description
A quick and easy creamy rice dish made with just five simple ingredients, perfect for cozy dinners or a comforting side. This recipe delivers a smooth, luscious texture without heavy cream, making it a satisfying and fuss-free comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (about 190 grams), rinsed well
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (600 ml) – can substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian
- 4 ounces cream cheese (115 grams), softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams), softened
- ½ teaspoon salt, adjusted to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear (about 1-2 minutes).
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 ½ cups of chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the rinsed rice and ½ teaspoon salt to the boiling broth and stir quickly to combine.
- Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 5 minutes to absorb remaining liquid.
- While the rice rests, soften the cream cheese and butter; microwave in 10-second increments if needed.
- Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the softened cream cheese and butter until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or freshly cracked black pepper as desired. Add a splash of warm broth or water if too thick.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives.
Notes
Rinsing the rice thoroughly is key to preventing stickiness and achieving a fluffy texture. Use warm broth to help the rice cook evenly. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep steam trapped. Softening the cream cheese before mixing ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Adjust seasoning after mixing in cream cheese and butter. If rice is undercooked, add a bit more liquid and cook covered on low heat for a few more minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked rice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 5
Keywords: creamy rice, comfort food, easy rice recipe, 5 ingredient recipe, quick dinner, creamy side dish