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Delicious serving of creamy spinach in a bowl, perfect for side dishes

Creamed Spinach

This comforting creamed spinach is rich, creamy, and easy to make, perfect as a side dish for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds fresh spinach, or 2 packages frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained
  • 3 tablespoons butter Unsalted butter helps control salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic = bigger flavor
  • 1 cup heavy cream Full-fat for best creaminess
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened Room temp creams faster
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated if possible
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg Small pinch lifts the flavor
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste Season gradually, taste often

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and melt the butter until it foams and smells nutty.
  2. Add the minced garlic; sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add the spinach in batches if using fresh, tossing each handful until it wilts. If using thawed frozen spinach, add it now and press out excess water.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and add the softened cream cheese in chunks so it melts evenly.
  5. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and the nutmeg. Stir constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and coats the spinach.
  6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for another minute or two until everything is heated through and slightly thickened.
  7. Serve warm.

Notes

Use thawed, well-pressed frozen spinach to save time. If the sauce is too thin, simmer gently to reduce. For a flavor twist, add cayenne or fresh dill.