Fast and Easy Creamed Spinach

4.8
(253)
208 Reviews
33 Photos

This somewhat healthy creamed spinach recipe is lighter than traditional creamed spinach. It is a little easier, a little quicker, and a little more contemporary. Have all your ingredients ready to go ahead of time. It's a classic steak side dish.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
Allrecipes' editorial guidelines
Updated on February 24, 2023
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
The Allrecipes Test Kitchen staff are a team of culinary pros who make and vet recipes using only equipment you'd find in a home kitchen. Staff credentials vary but include training at the Culinary Institute of America; kitchen stints in fine dining restaurants; and countless hours in the test kitchen itself.
Meet the Allrecipes Test Kitchen
33
high angle looking at a pan of creamed spinach with a spoonful resting in the pan
33
33
33
33
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
6
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil

  • 2 (16 ounce) bags fresh spinach

  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

  • 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg

  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 2 tablespoons minced shallot

  • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream

  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

  • 2 tablespoons finely shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (Optional)

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over high heat; add spinach, cover, and cook for 1 minute. Uncover and gently stir until most of the leaves are bright green and wilted, about 2 minutes.

    Overhead shot of a pan with spinach being cooked and stirred with a spoon

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Quickly drain spinach in a strainer and transfer to a plate lined with 4 or 5 paper towels. Once cool enough to handle, squeeze as much liquid from the spinach as possible. Transfer spinach to a cutting board and coarsely chop.

    High angle shot of wilted spinach being chopped on a cutting board

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Mix cayenne pepper, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.

    A bowl of spices mixed together, as seen from above

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; stir in shallot and cook until just barely golden and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in seasoning mixture and pour in cream; increase heat to medium-high and simmer until the cream sauce reduces by about half, about 5 minutes. Stir in lemon zest.

    A pan with seasoned cream sauce being cooked, as seen from above

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Reduce heat to low and toss spinach with cream sauce in skillet. Cook and stir until spinach is heated through and coated, about 2 minutes. Stir in Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until thoroughly combined.

    A pan with creamed spinach being cooked and stirred, as seen from above

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Serve immediately.

    high angle looking at a pan of creamed spinach with a spoonful resting in the pan

    DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

179 Calories
16g Fat
7g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 179
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g 20%
Saturated Fat 9g 44%
Cholesterol 47mg 16%
Sodium 173mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 6g 11%
Vitamin C 44mg 48%
Calcium 193mg 15%
Iron 4mg 23%
Potassium 883mg 19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

You’ll Also Love

Looking down at a skillet of cheesy creamed spinach with a spoonful resting in the skillet.
Cheesy Creamed Spinach
484 Ratings
Sarah's Spinach Side Dish
75 Ratings
Garlic Spinach
423 Ratings
Quick and Easy Creamed Bacon Spinach
7 Ratings
spinach in a dish
Sauteed Spinach with a Twist
2 Ratings
cooked spinach on plate with lemon wedge
Fast and Easy Spinach with Shallots
139 Ratings
sauteed fresh spinach with onion
Easy Fried Spinach
166 Ratings
Beet Greens and Baby Spinach with Red Kidney Beans
7 Ratings
Creamed Spinach II
247 Ratings
Spinach with a Twist
93 Ratings
looking down at a large bowl of Indian Saag
Indian Saag
108 Ratings
overhead angle looking down at a bowl of sautéed spinach with a spoonful resting in the bowl
Quick and Easy Sautéed Spinach
332 Ratings
Spinach Saute
66 Ratings
Dawn's Kale Side Dish
47 Ratings
Wilted Spinach
139 Ratings
Cottage Cheese Bake
54 Ratings