Description
This Easy Creamed Spinach recipe is a rich and creamy side dish made with frozen chopped spinach, butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple, comforting accompaniment to any meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for adding a flavorful green vegetable to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Spinach Mixture
- 4 tbsp butter
- 36 oz frozen chopped spinach (no need to thaw)
- 2 tsp minced garlic
Cream Sauce
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 ½–2 cups heavy cream (or half and half)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat the butter and spinach: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the frozen chopped spinach directly without thawing. Stir continuously until the spinach is heated through and any ice is melted.
- Add garlic and flour: Mix in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the spinach and stir well, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the flour is fully incorporated and no dry flour remains to help thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate the cream: Gradually pour in 1 ½ cups of heavy cream while stirring, then reduce the heat to medium. This will create the creamy base for the dish.
- Add seasonings and cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Adjust creaminess and serve: If the creamed spinach seems too thick, add up to an additional ½ cup of heavy cream to reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, cheesy spinach side dish!
Notes
- You can substitute half and half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Do not thaw the frozen spinach before adding it to the skillet to prevent excess wateriness.
- Add Parmesan cheese gradually and taste test to adjust saltiness as Parmesan is naturally salty.
- This dish pairs well with steak, roasted chicken, or grilled fish.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly (some contain animal rennet).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamed spinach, easy creamed spinach recipe, creamy spinach side dish, spinach with cream and cheese
