Hey there! Today, we’re diving into a dish that instantly makes me think of cozy, candle-lit dinners and festive holiday meals. Creamed Spinach with Parmesan is one of those sides that feels ultra-indulgent, but it’s surprisingly quick and easy to throw together. Fresh spinach and that rich, creamy sauce come together in just the perfect way, with the Parmesan lending just the right amount of saltiness and charm. Whether you’re serving this up alongside a Thanksgiving turkey or a simple weeknight roast, this creamed spinach will steal the show!
If you’re looking for an elegant, crowd-pleasing side with minimal effort, look no further—this Creamed Spinach with Parmesan is calling your name!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Fast: This dish comes together in about 20 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
- Indulgent but Balanced: You get all the creaminess without feeling too heavy thanks to the freshness of the spinach.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a fancy holiday spread, this spinach is a star.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe with different types of cheese or greens.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- Fresh spinach: You’ll want about 1 ½ pounds of fresh spinach for this recipe. Baby spinach works beautifully, but any fresh spinach will do. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen, but thaw and drain it first.
- Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its luscious, full-bodied texture. You can substitute half-and-half to lighten it up if you prefer.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor. You’ll need about ½ cup, but feel free to add more if you’re a cheese lover like me!
- Butter: Gives the sauce a rich base and helps sauté everything perfectly.
- Garlic: Because what’s creamed spinach without a bit of garlic magic? A couple cloves will do the trick.
Pro Tips
Tip: If you use frozen spinach, be sure to thoroughly squeeze out as much water as you can. Excess moisture can make your creamed spinach runny instead of creamy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the spinach: If using fresh spinach, rinse it well and trim any tough stems. Set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the spinach: Toss in your spinach and stir it with the garlic until it begins to wilt. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to do this in batches. This should take 3-5 minutes.
- Make the cream sauce: Once the spinach is wilted, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the Parmesan: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the Parmesan is already salty, so start light and adjust as needed.
- Serve hot: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for presentation. Enjoy warm!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook the spinach: You want it just wilted, not mushy. Keep an eye on it as it cooks down.
- Want a smoother texture? For a super creamy finish, you can blend the spinach mixture before serving. A quick blitz with an immersion blender will do the trick!
- Extra cheesy? If you’re feeling indulgent, add a mix of Gruyère or cheddar along with the Parmesan for a more complex flavor.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
Want to switch things up? This Creamed Spinach recipe is wonderfully versatile.
- Add some heat: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauté for a little spice.
- Make it vegan: Swap the butter and cream for plant-based options (like vegan butter and coconut cream), and use nutritional yeast in place of the Parmesan.
- Protein boost: Toss in some cooked and crumbled bacon or bits of roasted chicken for a heartier take on this side.
- Pairing suggestion: This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled fish, or even a hearty pasta. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc would be a perfect complement.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach? Yes! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out the excess liquid before adding it to the pan.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. You can prepare this dish up to 1 day in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of cream when reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
Recipe Card
Creamed Spinach with Parmesan
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4
- 1 ½ pounds fresh spinach, washed and stems removed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add spinach in batches, stirring until wilted.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for a minute or two.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
I hope you love this Creamed Spinach with Parmesan as much as my family and I do! It’s one of those dishes that’ll have you scraping the pan for the last creamy bites. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Feel free to share your pics or leave a comment below—I can’t wait to see your creations!