Creamed Spinach Recipe: Easy Vegetarian Dinner

Leafy greens transform into the most indulgent dishes when given the right treatment, and creamed spinach exemplifies this culinary alchemy perfectly. Americans consume only one-third of the recommended daily vegetable intake, yet this creamed spinach recipe offers a delicious solution that even the most vegetable-averse eaters embrace enthusiastically. This vegetarian main dish combines nutritious spinach with rich, creamy textures creating a comfort food that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare.

Ingredients List

For this classic creamed spinach recipe, gather these essential components that blend perfectly to create a dish greater than the sum of its parts:

• 2 pounds fresh spinach (or 20 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk (warmed)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Timing

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

This creamed spinach recipe comes together in just 40 minutes total. The efficiency-to-satisfaction ratio makes this dish particularly appealing for weeknight dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

If using fresh spinach, thoroughly wash the leaves to remove any grit. Remove any tough stems. In a large pot with ½ inch of water, blanch the spinach for 2-3 minutes until just wilted. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out as much water as possible by pressing between paper towels or in a clean kitchen towel. Chop roughly and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent but not browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.

Pro tip: For deeper flavor development, cook your onions longer at a slightly lower temperature—this caramelization adds wonderful depth to your creamed spinach recipe.

Step 3: Create the Cream Base

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to incorporate. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. This roux will thicken your sauce perfectly. Gradually whisk in the warm milk, followed by the heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

Add the grated nutmeg, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to the cream sauce. The nutmeg provides a traditional warm note that complements spinach beautifully, while the optional cayenne adds a subtle heat that balances the richness. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Pro tip: Fresh nutmeg grated directly into your dish makes a noticeable difference compared to pre-ground—it’s worth investing in whole nutmeg and a small grater for this creamed spinach recipe.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the chopped spinach to the cream sauce and stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. The cheese adds both flavor and additional creaminess to the final dish.

Nutritional Information

This creamed spinach recipe offers substantial nutritional benefits despite its indulgent taste profile. Per serving (recipe serves 4 as a main course):

• Calories: 325
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 6g
• Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 15g)
• Calcium: 40% DV
• Iron: 35% DV
• Vitamin A: 380% DV
• Vitamin C: 70% DV
• Vitamin K: 1000+% DV

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this classic creamed spinach recipe into an even more nutritious vegetarian main dish with these thoughtful modifications:

• Replace half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for increased protein and reduced fat while maintaining creaminess
• Use olive oil instead of butter to incorporate heart-healthy fats
• Boost the vegetable content by adding 1 cup of finely diced mushrooms sautéed with the onions
• Integrate white beans (cannellini or great northern) for added protein and fiber—puree ½ cup with a bit of the milk before adding to the sauce
• Reduce sodium by using a low-sodium vegetable broth to thin the sauce instead of additional cream
• Enhance nutrient density by folding in 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed or chia seeds just before serving

These adaptations maintain the essential character of the creamed spinach recipewhile improving its nutritional profile significantly.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your creamed spinach recipe from side dish to vegetarian main course with these thoughtful serving ideas:

• Serve atop a bed of farro or quinoa for a complete protein profile and satisfying texture contrast
• Pair with roasted portobello mushrooms for a substantial meat-free plate that satisfies even dedicated carnivores
• Create individual ramekins of creamed spinach topped with a poached egg for an elegant brunch offering
• Hollow out a roasted butternut squash half and fill with the creamed spinach for a visually impressive presentation
• Stuff into phyllo dough triangles for a Greek-inspired hand-held version
• Layer between slices of roasted eggplant with additional cheese for a unique vegetable “lasagna”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest creamed spinach recipe can go awry without attention to key details. Avoid these common pitfalls:

1. Inadequate water removal: Failing to thoroughly drain your spinach results in a watery final dish. Press out moisture aggressively—spinach holds an astonishing amount of water.
2. Scorching the cream sauce: Using too high heat when incorporating dairy leads to separation or curdling. Maintain a gentle heat and stir constantly.
3. Under-seasoning: Cream and spinach both require robust seasoning. Taste throughout the cooking process and adjust accordingly.
4. Overcooking: Extended cooking diminishes both the vibrant color and nutritional value of spinach. Add it to your cream sauce just long enough to heat through and marry the flavors.
5. Flour lumps: Rushing the roux creation often results in flour lumps throughout your sauce. Take time to incorporate the flour thoroughly with the butter before adding liquids.
6. Neglecting acid balance: The richness of this dish benefits from a touch of acidity. Consider adding a small squeeze of lemon juice or a few drops of white wine vinegar at the final stage to brighten flavors.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Maximize the enjoyment of your creamed spinach recipe beyond the initial meal with these practical storage approaches:

Refrigeration:

• Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers
• Store for up to 3 days in the refrigerator
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess
• Stir frequently while reheating to prevent scorching

Freezing:

• While possible, freezing may cause slight texture changes due to the dairy content
• Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 1 month
• Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating (never microwave from frozen)
• Revitalize after freezing by adding a tablespoon of fresh cream and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan when reheating

Make-Ahead Options:

• Prepare the spinach through the blanching and chopping stage up to 2 days ahead
• The cream sauce base can be made separately and refrigerated for up to 2 days
• Combine pre-prepped components and heat through just before serving for optimal freshness

Proper storage containers make a significant difference—glass containers prevent staining and flavor transfer of your creamed spinach recipe that can occur with plastic.

Conclusion

This creamed spinach recipe transforms an often-overlooked vegetable into a luxurious vegetarian main dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying. With minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll create a restaurant-quality dish that balances rich creaminess with the earthy goodness of spinach. The versatility of this classic allows endless customization while maintaining its essential comfort-food appeal.

We’d love to hear how your creamed spinach turned out! Try this recipe and share your experience in the comments section below. Did you make any creative adaptations? What did you pair it with? Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow and improve!

FAQs

Can I make this creamed spinach recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with olive oil or plant-based butter, use unsweetened coconut cream or cashew cream instead of dairy, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.

Why is my creamed spinach watery?
The most common cause is inadequately drained spinach. After blanching, squeeze the spinach aggressively between towels or in a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess moisture. Additionally, ensure your cream sauce is properly thickened before adding the spinach.

Is creamed spinach recipe keto-friendly?
This recipe is naturally keto-compatible with approximately 8g net carbs per serving. To reduce carbs further, replace the flour with xanthan gum (½ teaspoon) or almond flour (2 tablespoons).

Can I add protein to my creamed spinach recipe to make this a complete meal?
Certainly! Fold in 1 cup of cooked chickpeas, white beans, or cubed tofu after combining the spinach with the cream sauce. For non-vegetarians, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp pair beautifully with this dish.