Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for a delicious, fuss-free side dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome, you’re going to love what I’m sharing today. This Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it whips up in just 15 minutes, uses just a handful of ingredients, and delivers that creamy, comforting flavor that everyone in my family goes crazy for. Whether you’re a seasoned spinach fan or looking to finally enjoy greens without the spinach “battle,” this recipe is going to be a new go-to for weeknights or special dinners alike.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve found that using simple, quality ingredients really makes a difference here. Fresh baby spinach is my personal favorite because of its tender leaves and vibrant color, but frozen spinach can be a handy shortcut and works just as well if drained properly.

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness without overpowering the delicate spinach flavor.
• Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a wonderful aroma and a little kick.
• Baby spinach: Fresh is best but frozen works if thawed and squeezed dry to avoid watery cream sauce.
• Heavy cream: Gives the creamed spinach its luscious, smooth texture.
• Cream cheese: This is the secret weapon for creaminess and slight tang — cut it into small pieces for easy melting.
• Italian seasoning: Balanced herbs that enhance the flavor without being too assertive.
• Sea salt: Just enough to bring out all the flavors.
• Black pepper: A touch of warmth here helps balance the creaminess.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle on top at the end adds a nice salty, nutty note.

Variations

I love tweaking this Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe to suit whatever mood I’m in or the occasion. Feel free to make it your own — it’s pretty forgiving and really shines with personal touches.

• Add a little heat: Whenever I want a spicy kick, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes. It’s subtle but elevates the flavor beautifully.
• Make it dairy-free: I’ve swapped cream and cream cheese for coconut cream and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and it still tastes amazing (just a bit different texture).
• Boost the texture: I sometimes toss in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor and heartiness.
• Herb swap: If you’re not into Italian seasoning, fresh thyme or a pinch of nutmeg also pairs wonderfully.

How to Make Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Sauté garlic and butter to build the base

Start by heating the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until you can really smell its wonderful aroma but before it starts to brown or burn. This step is where the flavor foundation is laid, so keep an eye on it and stir constantly to prevent any bitterness.

Step 2: Wilt the spinach carefully

Next, add the baby spinach to your skillet. It might seem like a mountain at first, but spinach wilts quickly and reduces in volume. If your pan feels too crowded, add what you can and cover it for a couple of minutes to steam the leaves at the bottom – this trick ensures all the spinach softens evenly. Then, stir everything in a gentle folding motion to combine and add in the rest gradually.

Step 3: Create the creamy sauce

Once the spinach is just wilted, pour in the heavy cream, then add the small pieces of cream cheese. Add your Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper right now too. Stir constantly over medium heat so the cream cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Once everything is incorporated, let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken. The sauce may seem slightly loose while hot but will thicken nicely as it cools.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy

For an optional finishing touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top right before serving. It adds a lovely savory note and looks pretty too!

How to Serve Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and sometimes a little cracked black pepper. Occasionally, a few toasted pine nuts add a surprising crunch and nutty flavor that I’ve grown to love.

Side Dishes

This creamed spinach pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. For casual dinners, I love plating it alongside mashed potatoes or creamy risotto — it adds that comforting creamy green element that balances out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I made this for a holiday dinner and spooned it into small ramekins, topped with a little Parmesan, and broiled just to get a golden crust on top — the presentation was a hit and felt special without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3-4 days. Just be mindful that the spinach will soften further, so storing it sooner rather than later gives the best texture.

Freezing

Freezing creamed spinach is doable but I’ve noticed the texture changes a bit once thawed, sometimes becoming slightly watery. If you’re okay with that, freeze portions in a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid separation. Adding a splash of cream or milk while reheating helps restore that fresh creamy texture. Microwave works too but go slow and stir often.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

From my kitchen to yours, this Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe has been a true lifesaver and a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet fancy enough for guests, and the creamy texture paired with tender spinach is simply irresistible. I love how adaptable it is, and once you try it, I’m confident it’ll become a staple in your recipe box like it did for me. Give it a whirl—you might just find yourself making it again and again!

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