- Skillet Creamed Spinach

$- 4 cups fresh spinach, rinsed and chopped - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts When I make skillet creamed spinach, I always start with fresh spinach. You want it bright and green. Rinse it well before chopping. It’s key to get rid of any grit. I use four cups for a rich texture. For creaminess, I blend cream cheese and sour cream. Both add a nice depth of flavor. I use half a cup of each. The Parmesan cheese brings salty notes that balance the dish well. Next, I focus on aromatics. Olive oil is my go-to for sautéing. I heat one tablespoon in the skillet. Once hot, I toss in a small onion, finely chopped. I let it cook until it's soft and clear. This usually takes about three to four minutes. Then, I add two cloves of minced garlic. It gives the dish a warm, inviting aroma. I only let it cook for a minute so it doesn’t burn. I season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Just a pinch of nutmeg makes a big difference. It adds a warm, earthy flavor that surprises many. Lastly, I top the dish with toasted pine nuts. They add crunch and extra flavor. Pine nuts are rich and nutty, which makes the dish even more special. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions to get everything just right! - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. - Sauté 1 small onion, finely chopped, until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. - Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Cooking the aromatics is key. The smell of onion and garlic will fill your kitchen. This step builds a strong base for flavor. - Stir in 4 cups of chopped spinach and allow it to wilt down in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes. When you add the spinach, it might look like a lot. Don’t worry! It will shrink as it cooks. Stir gently so it cooks evenly. - Lower the heat and add 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, stirring until melted. - Incorporate 1/2 cup of sour cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until everything is creamy. - Season with 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well. This mixture is where the magic happens. The cream cheese and sour cream make it rich and smooth. Nutmeg adds a warm flavor that enhances the spinach. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions. Now, you have a delicious skillet creamed spinach ready to enjoy! To get the best texture in your creamed spinach, start with fresh spinach. Rinse and chop it well. Heat your skillet and add olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Cook until it's soft and clear, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add minced garlic for flavor. Stir it in for one minute. Next, add the chopped spinach. Keep stirring as it wilts down. This should take about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be soft, but not mushy. Once wilted, lower the heat. Add softened cream cheese next. Mix until it melts and blends in well. Finally, add sour cream and Parmesan cheese for that creamy finish. Stir until everything is well combined. Serving creamed spinach straight from the skillet looks great. It gives a warm, rustic feel. You can also transfer it to a bowl for a nice look. If you choose this, drizzle a little olive oil on top. This adds flavor and a glossy finish. Creamed spinach pairs well with many main dishes. It goes great with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it alongside steak for a hearty meal. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables. This adds color and more nutrients to your plate. For a complete experience, try the Full Recipe for detailed steps. {{image_2}} You can make this creamed spinach lighter. Swap the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. This change cuts calories and adds protein. Use low-fat sour cream for a similar effect. You could also replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast. This keeps flavor while being dairy-free. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. You can also mix in some smoked paprika for a unique twist. If you love cheese, try adding goat cheese or feta. This will give your dish a tangy kick. Transform your creamed spinach into a baked dish. Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top it with breadcrumbs and more cheese. Bake until golden brown on top. This provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy spinach. Store your skillet creamed spinach in an airtight container. Refrigerate it within two hours after cooking. It will stay fresh for about three days. Label the container with the date. This way, you know when to use it. When reheating, do it slowly. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to keep it creamy. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it. Just cover it and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. You can freeze creamed spinach, but it may change texture. Cool it completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It will last for about two months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of cream if needed. Enjoy the rich flavors again! Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Frozen spinach is easy and saves time. It is pre-washed and chopped. Just remember to thaw and drain it well. This helps remove excess water. Fresh spinach has a brighter flavor and crunch. If you prefer fresh, use 4 cups, rinsed and chopped. Both options work, but fresh spinach gives a better taste. You can prepare creamed spinach in advance. Cook the dish as per the recipe. Once it's done, let it cool. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of cream if it seems too thick. This keeps it creamy and delicious. Skillet creamed spinach pairs well with many main dishes. I recommend grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. It also goes great with steak or pork chops. For a vegetarian option, serve it with baked potatoes or pasta. The creamy texture complements these dishes nicely. Don't forget to follow the full recipe for detailed instructions. It's simple and fun to make! This blog post covered all the key ingredients and steps to make delicious creamed spinach. You learned about fresh spinach, dairy, aromatics, and seasoning. We shared tips for the best texture and how to present this dish. You can also explore variations to fit your taste and dietary needs. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them to keep them creamy. Follow the full recipe to enjoy this rich and flavorful dish anytime. Keep experimenting in the kitchen!$

Indulge in the creamy delight of Skillet Creamed Spinach! This rich and easy recipe transforms fresh spinach into a mouthwatering side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. With simple ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan, you'll create a flavorful dish in no time. Ready to elevate your dinners? Click through for the full Skillet Creamed Spinach recipe and bring this creamy goodness to your table!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 cups fresh spinach, rinsed and chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts down, about 2-3 minutes.

Lower the heat to medium-low and incorporate the softened cream cheese, stirring until fully melted and combined with the spinach.

Add the sour cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is creamy.

Season the spinach mixture with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well until everything is evenly combined and heated through.

Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish or serve directly from the skillet.

Garnish with toasted pine nuts on top for added texture and flavor before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | Serves 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the creamed spinach in the skillet for a rustic presentation or transfer to a bowl and drizzle with a little olive oil for added flavor. Consider pairing it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.