I always order the steakhouse sides just to get a bite of that rich, velvety green goodness that feels so indulgent. Making my own Creamed Spinach Recipe at home is actually incredibly simple and tastes just as luxurious as the restaurant version.
You might be surprised that this creamy side comes together in minutes using frozen spinach. It creates the perfect comforting texture without any of the hassle of washing pounds of fresh leaves.
The Secret to Perfect Creamed Spinach
This dish strikes the ideal balance between being rich enough for a holiday table and easy enough for a weeknight. You only need a handful of pantry staples to transform a simple vegetable into something truly special.
I love that this Creamed Spinach reheats beautifully, so I can prep it ahead of time for busy evenings. The flavors actually meld together even better the next day, making meal planning a breeze.
Using frozen spinach saves so much prep time while delivering that classic, dense texture we all crave. It allows the garlic and parmesan sauce to coat every bite perfectly without becoming watery.
If you enjoyed this creamy side, I highly recommend trying it alongside my Ultimate Lemon Pepper Salmon Recipe for a complete meal. You might also like the Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Recipe if you are craving more comforting Italian flavors.
Everything You Need for Perfect Creamed Spinach
Here is the simple list of groceries you will need for this recipe:
- Frozen chopped spinach: This is the base of the dish and provides the best texture for holding the sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the sodium level in the final dish.
- Fresh garlic: Fresh cloves offer a punchier and more aromatic flavor than jarred versions.
- Heavy cream: This creates the luxurious, velvety consistency that coats the greens.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts smoothly and adds a salty, savory kick.
- Kosher salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the greens and cream.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle background heat to balance the richness.
- Ground nutmeg: A tiny pinch adds a warm, nutty note that complements the dairy perfectly.
My Method for Perfect Creamed Spinach
Let’s get cooking with these simple steps:
- Start by placing your frozen spinach in a microwave-safe bowl and heating it until it is fully thawed, which usually takes about four minutes. Transfer the greens to a sturdy colander or sieve and press down firmly with the back of a large spoon or spatula. You must remove as much liquid as possible, squeezing until the spinach is very dry, or your final sauce will end up watery and thin rather than rich and creamy.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it bubbles gently. Add the minced fresh garlic to the pan and sauté it for about one minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it brown or burn. The kitchen should smell wonderful at this point, signaling that the aromatic base is ready for the greens.
- Stir the dried spinach into the pan along with the salt, black pepper, nutmeg, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. mix everything thoroughly and cook for another two minutes, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the Creamed Spinach is heated through. The sauce should look thick and cling to the vegetables, creating a cohesive and velvety side dish that is ready to serve immediately.
My Best Tips for Perfect Creamed Spinach
The most crucial step for this Creamed Spinach is squeezing every drop of water out of the thawed greens. If you skip this part, your rich sauce will become soupy and lose that signature thick consistency.
I recommend grating your own Parmesan cheese right from the block for the smoothest melt. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your creamy sauce feel gritty.
Feel free to adjust the heavy cream amount based on how decadent you want the final result to be. I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper to cut through the richness with a tiny bit of heat.
Best Ways to Enjoy Creamed Spinach
This rich side dish is the classic companion for a juicy grilled steak or a roasted chicken dinner. I also love spooning this Creamed Spinach over a baked potato for a simple yet satisfying vegetarian lunch.
You can serve it alongside holiday roasts since it holds its heat well and complements savory gravies perfectly. It brings a pop of color and creamy texture that balances out crispier main dishes.
I love seeing what you are cooking, so please tag me on Pinterest if you try this recipe.
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Creamed Spinach Recipe
- Total Time: 18 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and easy creamed spinach recipe made with frozen spinach, garlic, and parmesan cheese. Ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, plus more if needed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen spinach in the microwave according to package directions, then place it in a colander and press down firmly with a spatula to squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the drained spinach, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the pan.
- Stir constantly and cook for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted, the sauce is thick, and the spinach is heated through.
Notes
Ensure you squeeze the spinach very dry to prevent a watery sauce. Freshly grated nutmeg adds the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 12 min
- Thawing Time: 4 min
- Cook Time: 6 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: creamed spinach recipe, easy creamed spinach, frozen spinach recipe, steakhouse side dish