Creamy Spinach Side Dish (Printer-Friendly)
Tender spinach enveloped in luscious creamy garlic sauce, perfect for enhancing any meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 lb fresh spinach, washed and trimmed (or 12 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
04 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
05 - ½ cup heavy cream
06 - ½ cup cream cheese, softened
07 - ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Seasonings
08 - ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Optional Thickener
11 - 1 tbsp all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
# How to Make It:
01 - If using fresh spinach, blanch in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Drain, cool, squeeze out excess liquid, and roughly chop.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
03 - If using flour, stir it into the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
04 - Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth.
05 - Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and mix thoroughly to coat in the cream sauce.
06 - Stir in grated Parmesan and ground nutmeg. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and sauce has thickened to preference. Serve hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This velvety, garlicky cream sauce feels like a little secret indulgence you can whip up anytime.
- It transforms ordinary spinach into a dish that even picky eaters ask for again and again.
02 -
- Don't skip squeezing out the spinach liquid or your sauce will be watery and limp.
- Adding cream cheese is the game changer that makes this sauce dreamy and thick.
03 -
- Use a wooden spoon to stir gently to keep the sauce smooth without breaking up the spinach too much.
- Adding the cream cheese last and stirring slowly prevents clumps and ensures perfect creaminess.