This creamy spinach is a versatile and comforting side dish that works for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but is equally welcome any night of the week. Tender spinach tossed in a rich, silky sauce complements roasted meats, poultry and grilled steaks, and it also pairs beautifully with vegetarian main courses. The recipe below is straightforward and quick, delivering a luscious, restaurant-style result with minimal fuss. If you prefer a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute olive oil for the butter, use a plant-based cream alternative in place of half-and-half and heavy cream, and finish with a dairy-free grated cheese or nutritional yeast for a savory finish. This dish is naturally adaptable: you can adjust the garlic, nutmeg and seasoning to match your taste, and it reheats well for easy meal prep.
Easy Creamy Spinach
Ingredients
- 15 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1½ cups half-and-half
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
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Heat a large, preferably deep skillet over medium heat. Working in handfuls, add the spinach and stir after each addition so the leaves wilt evenly. This initial wilting should take about a minute; the spinach will reduce considerably in volume.
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Once the spinach is wilted, lower the heat and add the butter. Season quickly with salt, freshly ground black pepper and nutmeg, then stir to combine. Add the minced garlic and mix briefly. Keep the heat low enough so the butter and garlic do not brown or burn—this step should also take about a minute.
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Pour in the half-and-half and the heavy whipping cream, then raise the heat gently to bring the mixture to a simmer. When the sauce begins to bubble lightly, stir in the grated Parmesan. Continue stirring for roughly two minutes, until the cheese melts into the sauce and everything is well combined and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately while warm.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0.2g
Cholesterol: 86mg
Sodium: 428mg
Potassium: 765mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 10968IU
Vitamin C: 32mg
Calcium: 329mg
Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.