Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach Delight
A quick and easy creamy garlic Parmesan spinach side dish that delivers nostalgic comfort with a rich, savory flavor. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 280 grams)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 75 grams)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Rinse 10 ounces of fresh baby spinach under cold water to remove any grit. Spin or pat dry thoroughly. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water.
- In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 large minced garlic cloves and cook gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add all the spinach leaves to the skillet. Stir frequently and let the spinach wilt down for 3-4 minutes until vibrant and tender. Splash a tablespoon of water if the pan looks dry.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until the cream thickens slightly.
- Stir in ¾ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add ½ teaspoon onion powder, a pinch of nutmeg (optional), and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- If desired, gently mash some of the spinach leaves with your spoon while stirring for extra creaminess, or leave slightly chunky for texture. This takes about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a warm serving dish. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh garlic for best flavor and avoid pre-minced garlic. Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness. Keep heat medium-low when adding cream to prevent separation. Freshly grate Parmesan cheese for smooth melting. Adjust salt carefully as Parmesan is salty. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil, heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream, and use vegan Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
Keywords: creamy spinach, garlic spinach, Parmesan spinach, easy side dish, quick spinach recipe, low-carb spinach, gluten-free side