Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe

Creamed spinach is a rich, creamy, and comforting side dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.

With tender spinach leaves coated in a velvety garlic cream sauce, it’s the perfect companion for steak, chicken, or holiday meals.

This easy version takes only a few ingredients and comes together in under 20 minutes.

🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamed spinach is smooth, flavorful, and has just the right balance of creaminess and freshness.

It’s made with simple pantry ingredients and delivers a restaurant-quality taste right at home.

🍴 Ingredients

1 pound fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup milk or half-and-half
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: A pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Prepare the spinach:
If using fresh spinach, wash and remove any tough stems. Steam or sauté until wilted, then drain and chop roughly.
Make the cream sauce:
In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Add milk:
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combine:
Add the chopped spinach and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach is fully coated and the cheese has melted.
Season:
Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (optional). Stir well and remove from heat.
Serve:
Transfer to a serving bowl and serve warm.

💡 Tips for Perfect Creamed Spinach

Drain the spinach thoroughly to avoid a watery sauce.
For extra creaminess, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
Add a touch of cream cheese for a richer texture.
Sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan before serving for a cheesy finish.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Creamed spinach pairs wonderfully with steak, roast chicken, pork chops, or baked salmon. It’s also a classic side for holiday dinners or creamy casseroles.