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
Units
Scale
- 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!