Creamed spinach is a simple side dish thatโ€™s just as perfect for a weeknight dinner as it is for a holiday celebration! Frozen chopped spinach is cooked in a garlicky cream sauce, and the entire dish takes under 10 minutes to make!

If youโ€™re putting together a menu for a big Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering, you have to figure out the right balance of make-ahead dishes and quick sides; of things to make on the stove vs. in the oven; of elaborate recipes and simple dishes. Creamed spinach is the perfect recipe to slot in when you need something easy, that can be made on the stovetop in minutes, and that complements just about any other dish on the menu.

It also tastes so good, I guarantee you wonโ€™t have any leftovers!

creamed spinach served on a round plate

Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe

Creamed spinach couldnโ€™t be easier to make, and the payoff is a side dish thatโ€™s rich, creamy, and delicious. Even people who normally donโ€™t like spinach will enjoy this oneโ€”I mean, you canโ€™t go wrong with a garlic-infused cream sauce!

While I always think of this as a holiday recipe, itโ€™s so simple that it works for a weeknight dinner, too. Serve it with steak and a baked potato, or with Air Fryer Chicken Breasts. Sometimes I even like spreading leftovers onto a slice of crusty bread, topping it with cheese, and broiling it in the oven.

(Love creamy spinach recipes? You’ll love my Spinach Dip too!)

ingredients to make creamed spinach

Ingredients

  • Olive oil
  • Onion โ€“ Use a white or yellow onion.
  • Frozen chopped spinach โ€“ If you forget to thaw the spinach in advance, you can place it in a colander and run hot water over it until itโ€™s thawed.
  • Garlic โ€“ The recipe calls for 2 cloves, but if you love garlic, feel free to add more!
  • Cream cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Variations

  • Parmesan Creamed Spinach โ€“ Add 1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese when you add the cream cheese.
  • Creamed Spinach with Mushrooms โ€“ Sautรฉ 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onion; make the rest of the recipe as written.

How to Make Creamed Spinach

1. Cook the Onion

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.

2. Add the Spinach and Garlic

Stir in the thawed spinach and garlic. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and the spinach is warmed through, about 2 minutes.

3. Finish

Stir in the remaining ingredients and continue to cook until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

creamed spinach served on a white plate with a silver spoon

FAQ

Is creamed spinach healthy?

Spinach itself is super healthy, so it does deliver a lot of vitamins and minerals, but the addition of cream and cream cheese means this isnโ€™t exactly a low calorie dish! That said, if youโ€™re on a keto diet, this creamed spinach recipe is low carb.

Can creamed spinach be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze creamed spinach for up to 2 months. When youโ€™re ready to reheat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator, then warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. (You might need to add a bit of milk if youโ€™re reheating it on the stove.)

How much nutmeg is in creamed spinach?

My creamed spinach recipe doesnโ€™t call for nutmeg, but if youโ€™d like to add some, just add a pinch.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This recipe is best reheated in the microwave, but if youโ€™d rather warm it in a saucepan, add a splash of milk to thin it out a bit and heat it over medium.

More Vegetable Sides

Creamed Spinach

This easy creamed spinach is a simple side dish thatโ€™s just as perfect for a weeknight dinner as it is for a holiday celebration!
3.75 from 4 votes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 packages 10 ounces each frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions 

  • In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 5-7 minutes.
  • Add spinach and garlic; cook 2 minutes longer.
  • Stir in remaining ingredients; cook until cream cheese is melted.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @kasey_allthingsmamma or tag #allthingsmamma!

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About Kasey Schwartz

For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

3.75 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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