Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, comforting side dish that elevates any meal, you’re going to want to bookmark this Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out—rich, creamy, and packed with garlicky goodness, it’s the kind of spinach dish your family will go crazy for. Trust me, once you whip this up, you’ll find it’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly in just 15 minutes. Let me walk you through why it’s so special and how to make it flawless every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of this Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays its part to create a creamy, flavorful dish without the hassle. When shopping, fresh baby spinach is ideal, but don’t worry if you only have frozen on hand—it works like a charm!

• Unsalted butter: Adds a rich base without overpowering the garlic and cream flavors.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that aromatic punch that makes the whole dish sing.
• Baby spinach: Tender leaves wilt quickly—fresh is best, but frozen works well if thawed and drained.
• Heavy cream: Creates the silky sauce that makes this spinach truly indulgent.
• Cream cheese: Gives the sauce body and tang, melting into a luscious texture.
• Italian seasoning: A flavorful blend that adds depth and herbs without extra effort.
• Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
• Black pepper: Provides just a touch of spice to balance the creaminess.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkled on top for an extra cheesy kick and a touch of elegance.

Variations

I love how flexible this Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe is—you can easily give it your own spin. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it depending on what I have in my fridge or what my family prefers.

• Make it cheesy: My family goes wild when I add shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar for more oomph.
• Dairy-free alternative: Replace heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut cream and cashew cream for a creamy vegan twist.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives the dish a subtle kick that I personally adore.
• Loaded version: Stir in crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier side that doubles as a main.

How to Make Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Butter to Build Flavor

Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. When it’s warm and shimmering, toss in your minced garlic. The trick here is to sauté it just long enough—about one minute—until it’s fragrant but not browned. That fragrant garlic butter base is truly what takes this dish from simple spinach to creamy magic.

Step 2: Wilt the Spinach Gently

Add your baby spinach in batches if needed. It might seem like a lot at first, but spinach wilts down dramatically. I sometimes cover the pan for a couple of minutes to speed things up if the skillet feels crowded. Once it’s just wilted, the bright green and tender leaves are ready for the creamy sauce.

Step 3: Create That Creamy, Dreamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, then add your cream cheese pieces. Stir constantly as the cream cheese melts into that buttery garlic spinach. Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then let everything simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Keep in mind, the sauce will thicken more as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a tad loose initially.

Step 4: Optional Finishing Touches

If you’re like me and love a bit of extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan right before serving. It adds that extra savory, nutty note that makes this dish feel like a special treat every time.

How to Serve Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping creamed spinach with a little extra Parmesan for a golden finish—or sometimes some toasted pine nuts for crunch. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the creaminess beautifully, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper always does wonders.

Side Dishes

This Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe pairs like a dream with grilled steak or seared chicken breasts. It’s also a cozy companion to roasted potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower. For a casual dinner, I enjoy serving it alongside baked salmon or crispy pork chops.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the creamed spinach in individual ramekins topped with Parmesan and broiled just to brown the top slightly—makes it look gourmet without any extra fuss. You can also serve it as a bed for pan-roasted meats to elevate your presentation instantly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps nicely for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up and stir gently on low heat to bring back that silky texture without drying out.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing this recipe a couple of times, and while it’s not quite as luscious after thawing, it’s still a tasty option. To freeze, cool completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly on the stove with a little added cream or milk.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Adding a splash of cream or milk helps recreate that fresh-from-the-pan creaminess. Microwaving works too—just heat in short bursts and stir to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation. It’s my go-to when I want something quick yet there’s no skimping on flavor or comfort. I hope you give it a try and find it as delightful and fuss-free as I do. Whether it’s a weeknight staple or part of your holiday spread, this dish never fails to impress. Happy cooking!

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