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creamed spinach - featured image

Creamed Spinach: Best 5-Minute Side Dish


  • Author: Lisa
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A vibrant, velvety, and surprisingly fast creamed spinach recipe that serves as an elegant side dish for dinner parties. Made with frozen spinach, heavy cream, and fresh garlic, it comes together in about 5-10 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1214 oz (340-400g) frozen chopped spinach
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
  • 34 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) dry white wine (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Thaw the frozen spinach in the microwave or under warm water. Wrap in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much water as possible until it feels like a dry sponge.
  2. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and foaming, add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not brown.
  3. If using white wine, add it now and let it simmer for 30 seconds to cook off the alcohol.
  4. Add the drained spinach to the skillet. Stir into the garlic butter until heated through and coated, about 1 minute. If liquid pools, let it simmer to evaporate.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese off the heat or on very low heat until fully melted and smooth.
  7. Remove from heat. Add nutmeg, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust salt as needed (remember Parmesan is salty). Serve immediately.

Notes

Squeeze the spinach dry to prevent a watery sauce. Add cheese off heat to prevent graininess. This dish can be made up to 2 days in advance and reheated gently. It is naturally gluten-free.

  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 2
  • Sodium: 280
  • Fat: 14
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 6
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 8

Keywords: creamed spinach, side dish, dinner party, quick recipes, frozen spinach, garlic, easy cooking, elegant sides