When the nights get chilly, this Creamy Parmesan Rice with Shrimp & Spinach is the ultimate cozy dish to warm you up. Tender shrimp, velvety rice, and fresh spinach come together in a luxurious, creamy sauce with just a hint of Dijon for a subtle zing. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for weeknights or an indulgent weekend treat. One bite, and you’ll want to make this a winter tradition!

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 16 oz (1 lb) raw shrimp (peeled, deveined)

• 6 oz fresh spinach leaves

• 2 cups basmati rice

• 1 small yellow onion, chopped

• 1 cup chicken broth (plus extra if needed)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 ½ tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp butter

• 5 garlic cloves

• Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

• 1 tbsp dried basil

• 1 tbsp dried oregano

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• Fresh thyme (for garnish)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook the Rice:
   Prepare the rice according to package instructions, then set it aside.

2. Sauté the Base:
   In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of EVOO with the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves and onions, sautéing until the onions turn golden brown. Reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning.

3. Cook the Shrimp:
   Prep the shrimp (thaw and remove tails if needed). Add them to the skillet and season with basil and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until they turn pink. It’s okay if they’re not fully cooked—they’ll finish cooking later.

4. Add Broth and Spinach:
   Pour in the chicken broth and toss in the spinach. Sprinkle with garlic powder and oregano, stirring until the spinach wilts.

5. Make it Creamy:
   Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard until everything is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

6. Combine with Rice:
   Gently fold the cooked rice into the creamy shrimp mixture. If it feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. Season with salt, pepper, and extra oregano to taste.

7. Serve:
   Spoon the creamy rice into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy the ultimate winter comfort food!

This Creamy Parmesan Rice with Shrimp & Spinach is everything you want on a cold night—comforting, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying. Make it once, and it’s guaranteed to become a staple! 🥘🧄🦐