Hey there! Let’s talk about a side dish that makes any meal feel a little more special: creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-easy Instant Pot Creamed Spinach. Whether you’re a spinach lover or looking for a way to get your greens in without the hassle, this one’s a guaranteed winner. This recipe was inspired by my grandma’s holiday staple, but it’s been modernized for busy weeknights—because honestly, who has time to babysit a stovetop these days?
Here’s a little hook for you: Imagine silky smooth, flavor-packed creamed spinach in under 15 minutes, with almost zero hands-on time. Sound too good to be true? Let’s get cooking!
### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
– It comes together in the Instant Pot in record time—hello, quick and easy!
– Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your fridge.
– It’s the perfect pair to a hearty steak, roast chicken, or even just a warm loaf of bread.
– No need to worry about standing over the stove; let your Instant Pot do all the work.
### **Ingredients Breakdown**
#### **Essentials**
– **Fresh Spinach (1 lb)**: Baby spinach works beautifully here, but feel free to use chopped frozen spinach—just thaw and drain it well beforehand.
– **Butter (2 tbsp)**: Adds richness. Unsalted is my go-to, but salted works—just adjust additional salt later.
– **Garlic (2 cloves, minced)**: Because what’s a comforting dish without a little garlic kick?
– **Heavy Cream (1 cup)**: Gives it that creamy texture we all love. Half-and-half works in a pinch, but you might miss some of the lusciousness.
– **Cream Cheese (2 oz)**: My secret weapon for velvety, foolproof creamed spinach.
– **Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated)**: Adds a nutty, salty depth to the dish.
– **Nutmeg (a pinch)**: Optional, but highly recommended—it takes the flavor from great to gourmet.
– **Salt & Pepper (to taste)**: The essentials for seasoning perfection.
#### **Pro Tips**
– No Parmesan on hand? Swap in Pecorino Romano or even Gruyere for a unique twist!
– For a vegan twist, sub plant-based cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt the butter, then add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously, until fragrant.
2. Turn off sauté mode. Add the fresh spinach, heavy cream, cream cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. No need to stir too much—the steam will do the work.
3. Seal the lid and set your Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high for 2 minutes. Yes, just 2 minutes!
4. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release (carefully vent the steam).
5. Open the lid, stir well to ensure the cream cheese has fully melted and everything is combined. If it’s too saucy for your liking, switch back to sauté mode and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to thicken.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning if needed. You’re done—time to dig in!
### **Chef’s Tips and Tricks**
– **Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach**: If you’re in a pinch, frozen spinach works. Just use about 10 oz and drain it very well to avoid a watery result.
– **Extra Creaminess**: Stir in a splash of milk if you like a looser texture.
– **Prep Ahead**: You can prep and chop your garlic, measure your cheeses, and even wash your spinach earlier in the day to make this recipe even quicker to throw together.
### **Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions**
– **Add Some Protein**: Toss in cooked bacon bits or crumble some feta on top for a savory kick.
– **Spiced Up**: Love heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes will give it a satisfying zing.
– **Pairing Ideas**: Serve this alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. Want to go low-carb? Spoon it over grilled salmon for a truly elegant touch.
### **FAQs**
– **Can I make this ahead?** Definitely! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
– **Can I freeze leftovers?** While you can freeze creamed spinach, the texture might change slightly when thawed. If you choose to freeze, reheat it slowly, stirring occasionally to re-emulsify.
– **What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?** Not a problem! You can easily make this in a large skillet. Follow the same steps but cook the spinach on medium heat until it wilts, then stir in the cream and cheeses.
### Instant Pot Creamed Spinach Recipe Card
**Ingredients**
– 1 lb fresh spinach
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 oz cream cheese
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
– Salt & pepper, to taste
**Instructions**
1. Sauté garlic in butter using the Instant Pot.
2. Add spinach, cream, cream cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
3. Pressure cook on high for 2 minutes. Quick release.
4. Stir in Parmesan and adjust seasoning.
**Servings**: 4 | **Prep Time**: 5 mins | **Cook Time**: 10 mins
And that’s it—your Instant Pot Creamed Spinach is ready to shine on the dinner table! It’s cozy, comforting, and packed with flavor. If you give it a go, don’t forget to snap a picture and share your creation with #TheKitchensAid. I can’t wait to see how yours turns out!
