Creamed Spinach with Parmesan is a rich, velvety side dish that combines tender spinach with a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce. It’s the perfect accompaniment to steak, roasted chicken, or any hearty meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture – A luscious sauce coats the spinach perfectly.
- Savory Parmesan flavor – Adds depth and richness to every bite.
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal effort.
- Pairs well with everything – A perfect side dish for steak, chicken, or seafood.
- Healthy greens with indulgence – A delicious way to eat more spinach.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper
- Nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Spinach
- Sauté the garlic: In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted. If using frozen, make sure to drain excess liquid.
Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce
- Add the dairy: Pour in heavy cream and stir in cream cheese until melted.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
- Mix in Parmesan: Stir until the sauce thickens and coats the spinach.
Step 3: Serve
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with extra Parmesan.
- Enjoy warm as a side dish with your favorite protein.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in shredded mozzarella or Gruyère for a richer taste.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may change.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Just thaw and drain well before adding to the pan.
How do I keep creamed spinach from being watery?
Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach before cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
What pairs well with creamed spinach?
Steak, grilled chicken, pork chops, or roasted salmon.
Can I make this without cream cheese?
Yes! Just use extra heavy cream and Parmesan for thickness.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer longer, or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry.
Can I add mushrooms?
Yes! Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding spinach for extra flavor.
What’s the best Parmesan to use?
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner—add a little flour to thicken it.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan for an alternative version.
Conclusion
Creamed Spinach with Parmesan is a simple yet indulgent side dish that elevates any meal. With its creamy texture and bold, cheesy flavor, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Try it once, and you’ll want to make it again and again!
PrintCreamed Spinach with Parmesan
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamed Spinach with Parmesan is a luxurious and velvety side dish made with tender spinach, garlic, cream, and nutty Parmesan cheese. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home and pairs beautifully with steak, chicken, or seafood!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 pound fresh spinach, chopped (or 10 oz frozen, thawed & drained)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Extra Parmesan
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and shallot, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Cook the Spinach
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. (If using frozen spinach, cook until heated through.)
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
3. Make it Creamy
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cream cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Let the mixture thicken for 2–3 minutes. If it gets too thick, add a splash of cream or milk.
4. Finish & Serve
- Stir in lemon juice (if using), then remove from heat.
- Transfer to a serving dish and top with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Make it cheesier by adding shredded mozzarella or Gruyère.
- Great with steak, chicken, or as a dip for crusty bread!
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