Go Back
- Fresh spinach - Olive oil - Garlic - Onion - Heavy cream - Cream cheese - Parmesan cheese - Nutmeg - Salt and black pepper - Pine nuts for garnish I love using fresh spinach for this dish. It has a bright flavor and great texture. You can find it at your local grocery store or farmer's market. Olive oil adds richness, while garlic and onion provide a nice base of flavor. Heavy cream makes the dish smooth and creamy. Cream cheese adds a lovely tang. Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty taste that rounds out the dish. Don't forget the nutmeg! It gives a warm spice that elevates the flavors. Lastly, salt and black pepper enhance everything. - Alternatives for heavy cream: You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option. - Non-dairy options for cream cheese: Silken tofu or cashew cream works well for a vegan choice. - Other types of cheese: Try using gouda or feta for a different taste. These substitutions let you customize the dish to your needs. You can still enjoy that creamy texture and rich flavor, even if you're dairy-free. For the cheese, pick one that melts well to keep the dish smooth. For the full recipe, check out the details in the section above. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil warms, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped onion. Sauté them together for about 3 to 4 minutes. The onion should turn soft and clear. Keep an eye on the garlic. You don’t want it to burn. Now it's time to bring in the star of the dish—1 pound of fresh spinach. Gradually add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir it often as it cooks. In about 5 minutes, the spinach will wilt and shrink down a lot. This is when the magic starts to happen. Lower your heat to a gentle simmer. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and add ½ cup of softened cream cheese. Stir well until the cream cheese melts completely. You want a smooth and creamy base. Next, mix in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ teaspoon of fresh nutmeg. Stir until everything combines nicely. Taste your mixture and add salt and black pepper as needed. After this, let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 more minutes. Stir it occasionally to stop it from sticking. The flavors will blend beautifully, creating a rich and comforting dish. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. To avoid garlic burning, watch the heat closely. Keep your skillet on medium heat. When you add garlic, stir it often. This keeps it from turning bitter. If garlic burns, it can ruin your dish. The right heat level matters. When you add spinach, turn the heat up a bit. This helps the spinach wilt quickly. Once it's soft, lower the heat to simmer. This allows the cream to blend well without boiling. Adding spices and herbs can boost flavor. Try a pinch of red pepper flakes for warmth. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil add a nice touch too. Nutmeg already gives a warm taste, but other spices can enhance it. To add crunch, consider toasted pine nuts on top. They offer a nutty flavor and texture. You can also use crispy breadcrumbs. Sprinkling them adds a delightful contrast to the creamy spinach. For a beautiful dish, use shallow bowls. Drizzle a bit of olive oil around the edge. This adds a touch of elegance. A sprig of fresh herb on top brings color and freshness. Skillet creamed spinach pairs nicely with many main courses. Try it with grilled chicken or steak. It also works well with roasted fish. This dish is a great side that complements a variety of meals. {{image_4}} You can make creamed spinach lighter by swapping out heavy cream. Use low-fat or light cream instead. This keeps the dish creamy but cuts the calories. You can also add more veggies. Try mixing in chopped mushrooms or bell peppers. They add color and nutrients. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to your skillet. Just a pinch can heat things up. If you like meat, try adding crispy bacon or shredded chicken. This adds a savory depth to the dish. Both meat and spice can create a new version of creamed spinach that excites the palate. To give it a Mediterranean twist, mix in sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese. This adds a tangy flavor and makes it unique. If you want to try something different, use Indian spices. A pinch of garam masala or curry powder can transform your creamed spinach. This will surprise your guests with bold, rich flavors. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. To keep your creamed spinach fresh, store leftovers right away. Let it cool to room temperature before storing. Place it in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Make sure to consume it within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor. Glass containers work well, as they don’t absorb smells. They also allow you to see what’s inside. If you want to save your creamed spinach for later, you can freeze it. First, let it cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat. Stir it often to make sure it warms evenly. If it seems thick, add a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to life. You can use alternatives like milk or cashew cream. For a thick texture, try blending silken tofu. Both options give a creamy feel without heavy cream. You can also add a bit of flour to thicken the mixture. This method keeps the dish light yet satisfying. Yes, you can use frozen spinach. It is convenient and saves time. Frozen spinach is pre-cooked and chopped, which helps in quick preparation. However, it may have extra water, so drain it well. Fresh spinach has a brighter taste and better texture. Choose based on your preference and what you have on hand. Skillet creamed spinach pairs well with many dishes. You could serve it alongside grilled chicken or steak. It also complements fish, adding a rich flavor. For a vegetarian option, try it with roasted vegetables or a hearty grain dish. A warm crusty bread also works great to soak up the sauce. Skillet creamed spinach lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir it well to ensure even heating. If it thickens, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. Enjoy your creamy delight as a side dish all week long! This blog post covered how to make a delicious creamed spinach dish. We explored key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. You learned about substitutions and variations to suit your taste and health needs. Proper storage methods ensure your leftovers stay fresh. In the end, creamed spinach can be a simple and tasty addition to any meal. Get creative with flavors and enjoy each bite!

- Skillet Creamed Spinach

Elevate your mealtime with this irresistible Skillet Creamed Spinach recipe! Quick and simple to prepare, this creamy dish features fresh spinach, garlic, and a rich mix of cheeses that transform any meal into a gourmet experience. Perfect as a side for grilled chicken or steak, it’s a comfort food classic. Dive into the full recipe and discover valuable tips and variations that make this dish shine at your table. Click through to get started today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb fresh spinach, rinsed and roughly chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Salt and black pepper to taste

¼ cup toasted pine nuts (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

    Cook the Spinach: Gradually add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir frequently, cooking for approximately 5 minutes until the spinach wilts down and reduces in volume significantly.

      Create the Creamy Base: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Pour in the heavy cream and add the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has completely melted and the mixture is creamy and smooth.

        Add Cheese and Seasoning: Incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese and freshly grated nutmeg into the creamy mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is well combined. Taste your sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.

          Final Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer gently for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and let the flavors meld together beautifully.

            Serve: Once ready, remove from heat. Transfer the creamy spinach delight to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish generously with toasted pine nuts on top for an added crunch and visual appeal.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in shallow bowls, drizzling a bit of extra olive oil around the edge for an elegant touch. Add a sprig of fresh thyme or basil for a pop of color. Enjoy!