Creamed Spinach With Parmesan Cheese

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Updated on 01/4/23
Prep: 12 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 22 mins
Servings: 4 servings

Frozen spinach makes this creamed spinach dish a snap to make. It has a smooth, velvety texture, thanks to the simple white sauce that is flavored with Parmesan cheese, a little garlic, and a hint of nutmeg. Taking about 20 minutes to prepare, this dish is the perfect accompaniment to dinner on a busy night, whether serving roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. Creamed spinach is also a great way to ensure that you and your family get some healthy and delicious greens.

Creamed spinach in a bowl with a spoon

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Ingredients

  • 16 to 20 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Place the thawed spinach in a colander and squeeze it with your hands to remove as much moisture as possible. Set aside.

  3. In a sauté pan or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

  4. Add the minced garlic and sauté, stirring, until it is softened and aromatic, about 1 minute.

  5. Add the flour to the butter and garlic and whisk until blended. Cook, whisking, for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the milk and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened.

  6. Add the spinach and Parmesan cheese and mix gently. Season with the nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

  7. Stirring constantly, continue cooking over low heat for 5 minutes or until the spinach is tender and hot.

  8. Serve and enjoy.

How to Defrost Frozen Spinach

If you can plan ahead, the best way to thaw frozen spinach is to place it in the refrigerator about two days before cooking. Otherwise, place it on the counter for several hours or microwave it using the defrost setting. You can also put the frozen spinach in a colander and pour over boiling water until the greens begin to soften. Before proceeding with the recipe, make sure to squeeze the spinach thoroughly to remove all of the liquid.

Recipe Variations

  • Fresh spinach: Although frozen spinach makes preparation easier and faster, you can also use fresh spinach. Add about 2 pounds of trimmed fresh spinach.
  • With shallots: Melt the butter in the sauté pan over medium heat and add 1 medium chopped shallot. Cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and continue with the recipe.
  • Gluten free: Use 2 tablespoons of sweet rice flour or masa harina in place of the flour in the roux. 

Is Creamed Spinach Healthy?

When eating creamed spinach, you are getting the benefits of this leafy green. However, depending on the ingredients, you are also getting a decent amount of fat and calories, especially when the recipe includes cream. This version calls for milk, making it a bit lighter, but does contain a little butter and cheese. If creamed spinach is one of the few ways to get your family to eat their vegetables, this side dish may be worth it.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
170 Calories
10g Fat
14g Carbs
10g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 170
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g 13%
Saturated Fat 6g 28%
Cholesterol 26mg 9%
Sodium 470mg 20%
Total Carbohydrate 14g 5%
Dietary Fiber 6g 20%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 10g
Vitamin C 3mg 17%
Calcium 350mg 27%
Iron 3mg 17%
Potassium 542mg 12%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)