Creamed Spinach Recipe

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my best creamed spinach recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

• Spinach – I prefer baby spinach leaves for their mild flavor and less bitterness, but you can use any fresh spinach. You can even make my recipe for creamed spinach using frozen spinach! Just use 6 ounces of frozen spinach in place of 10 ounces fresh. Make sure to drain well and squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible. The saute time after adding the spinach will be shorter, but the time after adding cream will be the same.
• Heavy Cream – The main component of the sauce. Coconut cream can work as a substitute if you don’t mind the flavor. I don’t recommend using regular milk, but if you really want to, you’d need a lot more cream cheese (below) to thicken the sauce.
• Cream Cheese – My “secret” ingredient to make the cream sauce thick! I also love the hint of tang it provides. I always use plain, but neufchatel or light cream cheese would work fine. You can also thicken the sauce with grated parmesan instead, if you like a cheesier flavor.
• Butter – I use this for extra richness when sauteing the garlic and spinach. Feel free to use olive oil or avocado oil instead.
• Garlic – Mince it fresh, or take my easy shortcut with jarred minced garlic.
• Spices – I keep it simple with just Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. You can add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg if you like the flavor — it’s a common addition to creamed spinach recipes, but I prefer mine without. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want some heat.
• Parmesan Cheese – It’s optional, but adds another savory element for topping.

VARIATION: Add onions!

You can saute 1/2 a diced onion before adding the spinach. I left it out to make my easy creamed spinach recipe come together faster, but I’ve done it before and it tastes great.

How To Make Creamed Spinach

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.

1. Saute the garlic. Melt butter in a large skillet with tall sides (I used this one). Add the garlic and saute until fragrant.
2. Wilt the spinach. Add the spinach, and cook until just barely wilted. You can see how much it cooks down in my pictures below!
3. Add the heavy cream, cream cheese, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens. Garnish with parmesan cheese (if using) before serving.

Serving Ideas

Just about anything goes with this easy creamed spinach recipe! Here are some of my everyday and holiday recipes to try:

• Classic Steak – There’s a reason steakhouses always offer creamed spinach! It pairs so well with a juicy steak. I make sirloin steak in the oven for regular days, or my favorite filet mignon or reverse sear steak for special occasions. You can also try my one-pan steak and potatoes, or chuck eye steak for a budget option.
• Holiday Mains – I love this easy side for Thanksgiving with my roasted turkey, roasted turkey legs, or slow cooker turkey breast, because I can make it ahead of the busy day. You can also serve it for other holidays with a sirloin tip roast, prime rib roast, beef tenderloin, or my quick spatchcock chicken.
• Chicken Dinners – Since this side dish takes only 15 minutes and uses ingredients I often have around, it’s an easy solution for regular weeknight chicken dinners. Try it with my bacon wrapped chicken breast, crispy baked chicken thighs, or garlic parmesan slow cooker wings.
• Homestyle Meals – My creamed spinach recipe pairs perfectly with main dishes that taste just as comforting! I like it with smothered pork chops or eggplant lasagna.

More Creamy Spinach Recipes

There are so many ways to enjoy these healthy greens, but I particularly love the comfort food vibes of creamy spinach! Here are some of my other favorite ways to make it:

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Tuscan Salmon

Eggplant Rollatini

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast