Creamed Spinach Recipe

This Creamed Spinach Recipe is a delightful and creamy side dish that perfectly complements any meal. With frozen spinach and heavy cream as the stars, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or enjoying a simple family dinner, this creamed spinach will surely impress. Its rich, silky sauce combined with tender spinach makes it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of heavy cream, garlic, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese creates a deeply satisfying flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with steak, chicken, or fish; this creamed spinach works well with various main courses.
• Comforting Texture: The creamy sauce envelops the spinach, offering a comforting experience that’s hard to resist.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from spinach, this dish adds nutritional value to your meals without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious creamed spinach, you’ll need some essential tools that will simplify the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-bottomed pot: Ensures even heat distribution for perfect cooking of the cream without burning.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients gently while preventing scratching on your cookware.

Ingredients

This creamed spinach is rich, flavorful and a quick and easy side dish made with frozen spinach and heavy cream. The silky white sauce pairs perfectly with the tender spinach!

For the Cream Sauce

• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup shallots (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (grated)

For the Spinach

• 2 pounds frozen cut leaf spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)

How to Make Creamed Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Thaw the Frozen Spinach

Thaw the 2 pounds of frozen spinach and squeeze out as much of the excess water as you can. This step is crucial to prevent your dish from becoming watery.

Step 2: Sauté Butter and Shallots

In a pot, sauté the 3 tablespoons of butter along with 1/3 cup shallots over medium-low heat until they are soft (about 4 minutes). Add in the 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute while stirring constantly. Be careful not to let the garlic brown as it can turn bitter.

Step 3: Add Cream, Salt, Pepper, and Nutmeg

Add in the 2 cups of heavy cream along with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Bring everything to a low boil while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes. The cream should thicken enough to coat a spoon.

Step 4: Add Parmesan

Stir in the 1/2 cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until melted completely into the sauce.

Step 5: Add Spinach

Finally, stir in the thawed and drained spinach until it’s all evenly coated in that creamy goodness.

Now you have an irresistible Creamed Spinach Recipe ready to serve! Enjoy this dish alongside your favorite entrees for an elevated dining experience.

How to Serve Creamed Spinach Recipe

Creamed spinach is a delightful side dish that complements a variety of main courses. Its rich and creamy texture makes it an excellent addition to any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Grilled Steak

• A juicy grilled steak pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the spinach, creating a hearty meal.

Alongside Roasted Chicken

• The flavors of roasted chicken blend well with creamed spinach, making it a classic combination for family dinners.

As Part of a Holiday Feast

• Serve creamed spinach during holiday gatherings for a festive touch that guests will love.

With Baked Salmon

• The richness of the cream sauce complements the lightness of baked salmon, adding depth to your plate.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serving creamed spinach over rice adds another layer of flavor and makes for a filling option.

With Garlic Bread

• Pairing creamed spinach with garlic bread creates a delicious contrast between creamy and crunchy textures.

How to Perfect Creamed Spinach Recipe

To ensure your creamed spinach turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shallots and garlic can elevate the flavor profile compared to dried or powdered variants.
• Squeeze out excess water: Properly squeezing the thawed spinach removes extra moisture, preventing a watery dish.
• Adjust the seasoning: Taste your dish before serving; you may want to add more salt or pepper based on your preference.
• Try different cheeses: If Parmigiano-Reggiano isn’t available, experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for unique flavors.
• Serve immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve creamed spinach hot right after preparing it.
• Reheat gently: If you have leftovers, reheat them slowly on low heat to maintain creaminess without curdling.

Best Side Dishes for Creamed Spinach Recipe

Creamed spinach pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some fantastic options that complement its rich flavor:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting pairing.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts contrasts nicely with the creaminess of spinach.
3. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful balance to savory dishes like creamed spinach.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of creamed spinach.
5. Sauteed Mushrooms: Earthy sautéed mushrooms add depth and enhance the overall flavor profile.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes complements the savory notes in creamed spinach.
7. Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad can cleanse the palate and add brightness to your meal.
8. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf serves as a neutral base that allows the creamed spinach to shine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your creamed spinach, it’s easy to make common missteps. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using wet spinach: Excess moisture can dilute the sauce. Always squeeze out as much water as possible from the thawed spinach.
• Overcooking the garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if browned. Sauté it just until fragrant to maintain its flavor.
• Skipping the nutmeg: Nutmeg enhances the dish’s flavor profile. Don’t skip this spice; add a pinch for that extra depth.
• Ignoring the thickness of the cream: If the cream isn’t thick enough, it won’t coat well. Stir and let it simmer until it reaches a creamy consistency.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your dish before serving. You might need more salt or pepper to balance flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Creamed Spinach Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as it may expand when frozen.

Reheating Creamed Spinach Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals until heated through, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring often until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious creamed spinach recipe:

How do I make my creamed spinach recipe healthier?

You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use low-fat cheese options to reduce calories while still enjoying great flavor.

What can I serve with creamed spinach recipe?

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a holiday meal spread alongside other sides.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for my creamed spinach recipe?

Yes! You can use fresh spinach; just cook it down until wilted before adding it to the cream mixture.

How long will my creamed spinach recipe last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, your creamed spinach will last about 3 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

This creamed spinach recipe is rich and flavorful, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. Its creamy texture and savory taste will impress family and friends alike. Feel free to customize it by adding herbs or different cheeses based on your preference!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Creamed Spinach Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in this Creamed Spinach Recipe, a creamy and rich side dish that will elevate any meal. Combining frozen spinach with heavy cream, garlic, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, this dish is both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, the silky sauce envelops tender spinach leaves for a delightful experience. Serve it alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or baked salmon to impress your family and guests alike.

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Ingredients

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• 2 pounds frozen cut leaf spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup shallots (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (grated)

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Instructions

1. Thaw the frozen spinach, then squeeze out excess water.
2. In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. Sauté shallots for about 4 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a low boil and simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
4. Mix in grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until melted.
5. Add the drained spinach and stir until fully coated in the creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 70mg