Description
Creamy spinach delights palates with its silky smooth texture and rich flavor profile. Cheese and garlic blend perfectly, promising a comforting side dish you’ll crave at every meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh spinach (or 1 10-ounces package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
Dairy Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse fresh spinach leaves under cold water, ensuring all dirt is removed. If using frozen spinach, completely defrost and meticulously drain excess moisture by pressing with paper towels.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat, gently melt butter until it transforms into a silky liquid. Introduce finely chopped garlic, allowing it to dance and release its aromatic essence for approximately 60-90 seconds.
- Gradually introduce spinach into the skillet, adding handful by handful. Continuously stir and gently fold leaves until they collapse and become uniformly wilted, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer wilted spinach to a separate plate, preserving the skillet for the upcoming creamy transformation.
- Reduce skillet heat to low, pour heavy cream and cream cheese into the pan. Whisk delicately, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that glistens and blends seamlessly.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, sprinkling salt, cracked black pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg. Stir consistently until the sauce achieves a luxurious, uniform consistency.
- Reintroduce the wilted spinach into the creamy sauce, gently coating each leaf. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, melding flavors and ensuring everything is heated thoroughly.
- Serve immediately while the dish remains warm, offering a rich, creamy accompaniment to your meal.
Notes
- Moisture Matters: Thoroughly drain frozen spinach to prevent a watery, diluted sauce that can ruin the creamy texture.
- Garlic Technique: Gently sauté garlic to release its aromatic oils without burning, which creates a bitter taste and ruins the dish’s delicate flavor.
- Low and Slow Sauce: Maintain low heat when creating the cream sauce to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Dietary Flexibility: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories without compromising richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg