Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups milk (preferably whole); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 10 oz fresh spinach, chopped (or use thawed frozen spinach, well drained)

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A rich and velvety dish that brings together tender spinach, fragrant garlic, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach is one of those sides I reach for when I want something both cozy and flavorful. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve at a holiday feast.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon butter

½ tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups milk (preferably whole)

½ cup heavy cream

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Salt and pepper, to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

10 oz fresh spinach, chopped (or use thawed frozen spinach, well drained)

Directions

I start by heating butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once that’s warm, I sauté the finely chopped onion for a couple of minutes until it softens. Then I stir in the garlic, cooking it just until fragrant.

Next, I whisk in the flour to form a roux — this is what thickens the sauce. Slowly, I pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to get a smooth texture. I season the mixture with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer until it thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Once the sauce is creamy, I add in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted. Finally, I fold in the chopped spinach and let it cook for another couple of minutes, until wilted and well combined. A final taste test for seasoning, and it’s ready to serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories per serving: 230 kcal

Variations

I sometimes swap the fresh spinach with well-drained frozen spinach when I’m short on time or fresh produce. For extra richness, I’ve added a bit of cream cheese or a handful of shredded mozzarella. If I’m going for a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes does the trick. And for a touch of protein, I’ve stirred in chopped cooked bacon or pancetta.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, I warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. It can also be microwaved in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

How can I make this dairy-free?

I use a plant-based butter, dairy-free milk like unsweetened almond or oat, and a dairy-free cheese substitute. The texture won’t be quite as creamy, but it still tastes great.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, I use frozen spinach often. I just make sure it’s fully thawed and very well drained to prevent a watery sauce.

Is this dish gluten-free?

As written, it’s not, because of the all-purpose flour. But I can swap in a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I sometimes make it a day in advance and reheat it before serving. It holds up well and can even be baked in a casserole dish with extra cheese on top for a slightly different twist.

What can I serve this with?

I like serving it alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or as a side for steak. It’s also great with mashed potatoes or over rice for a vegetarian main.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach is everything I want in a comfort side dish: creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It comes together quickly, works with many meals, and always leaves my plate clean. Whether I’m making it for a holiday or a regular weeknight dinner, it’s a dependable, delicious addition to the table.

📖 Recipe:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and velvety side dish featuring tender spinach, garlic, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for both weeknight meals and holiday feasts.

Instructions

Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté the chopped onion for a few minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Add ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and let the mixture simmer until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
Fold in the chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted and well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.