Delicious Creamed Spinach to Elevate Your Meal

I still remember the first time I made Creamed Spinach. I was on this mission to find a creamy greens side dish my whole family would actually love, without a ton of fuss. My kids were skeptical—spinach can be tricky for little taste buds! But that buttery creamed spinach was a surprise winner, even my picky eater asked for seconds. What caught my attention was how easily it slipped in some serious nutrition without feeling like a chore to prepare. Creamed Spinach quickly became a go-to for those nights when I wanted to feed my family nourishing food but keep things simple.

This creamy spinach with cream sauce quickly turned into a family favorite because it’s not just about flavor—it’s about supporting our energy and health quietly through tasty meals. After incorporating it into our meals, I noticed a boost in everyone’s stamina to power through homework, sports, and busy schedules. It was like sneaking in green goodness that actually tasted comforting and familiar.

I get it—the whole “getting greens into dinner” battle is real. That’s why I’m excited to share this easy Creamed Spinach recipe with fellow busy moms who want nourishing without overwhelm. If you’re juggling school runs, work, and after-school activities, you need simple nutrition hacks that work. Trust me, this garlic cream spinach version will feel like a sanity-saving win for your family’s nutrition.

If your family loves cozy creamy sides, you’ll want to check out this delicious Creamed Spinach and mushroom gnocchi recipe I adore (it’s such a tasty combo). Plus, when you finish up here, I’ll send you a couple of my favorite dips featuring spinach too, like this homemade spinach artichoke dip and a kicky jalapeño spinach artichoke dip for when you want that extra flair. Let’s dive into making a creamy greens side dish that feels easy enough for weeknights but special enough for anytime!

For this creamy, buttery Creamed Spinach that supports family nutrition and simplicity, here’s what you’ll gather:

• 1 lb fresh baby spinach (or 10 oz frozen, thawed and drained) – spinach is packed with fiber, vitamins A and C, and iron
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter – adds richness and helps with vitamin absorption
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – for flavor and immune support with natural antioxidants
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped – adds a mild sweetness that kids usually love
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half – choose your preference for creaminess
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour – helps create that spinach béchamel base
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg – a little warmth that complements leafy greens
• Salt and pepper to taste

No worries if you don’t have fresh spinach handy—I often use frozen baby spinach when life gets hectic and it works beautifully. It’s budget-friendly and just as nutritious after thawing and draining any extra water. For my family, adding the garlic cream spinach twist makes this recipe extra flavorful and kid-friendly.

You’ll find all these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store’s produce and dairy aisles—no specialty shopping needed. This Creamed Spinach proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive or complicated.

If you want a dairy-free option, try swapping butter for olive oil and using almond or oat milk—this creates a dairy-free garlic cream spinach that still feels indulgent.

Pro tip: chopping your garlic and shallots ahead of time saves prep moments during busy evenings. I usually bag these ready in the fridge for quick sautéing.

This ingredient list is simple because busy moms deserve nourishing meals with straightforward steps. Here’s a trusted Creamed Spinach recipe you can come back to again and again.

Ready to turn these simple ingredients into a creamy spinach with cream sauce that your family will love? Let’s get cooking—together.

1. Prep your spinach: If using fresh, give it a good rinse and pat dry. Frozen spinach should be thawed and squeezed dry. This step keeps the Creamed Spinach from getting watery.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a medium skillet, melt your butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and shallot, and cook until soft and fragrant—about 2 minutes. Smelling that garlic cream spinach aroma as it cooks feels like a warm kitchen hug.
3. Make the béchamel base: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and stir continuously for about 1 minute. This helps cook out the raw flour taste and turns it into a flavorful spinach béchamel.
4. Add milk slowly: Pour in your milk or half-and-half bit by bit while stirring steadily. This slows down lumps and helps the sauce thicken smoothly. Keep stirring until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—your creamy greens side dish is nearly ready!
5. Season your Creamed Spinach: Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Nutmeg is one of my favorite little nutrition hacks—it makes the spinach taste cozy and familiar.
6. Combine spinach and sauce: Stir your spinach into the cream sauce gently until it’s all nice and coated. If it looks too thick, add a splash more milk to loosen it up. Don’t worry if your Creamed Spinach looks extra creamy or a bit saucy—it means nutrients are soaking in well!
7. Simmer briefly: Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and smells irresistible. This pause is perfect to start prepping those school lunches or catch a breath in the chaos.

In my busy kitchen, this Creamed Spinach usually takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s one of those dinnertime nutrition wins that feels quick and comforting.

If you’re curious for more ideas, this Best Creamed Spinach Recipe from The Pioneer Woman inspired me a while back and helped me perfect my approach to that luscious texture.

This buttery Creamed Spinach has become a staple in our home because it matches so well with family favorites. My kids adore it when I serve it alongside roasted chicken and creamy mashed potatoes—classic comfort with a nutrition boost.

For a crunchy contrast, I often pair this spinach béchamel with roasted carrots or steamed green beans. These colorful veggies add fiber and vitamins, making the meal balanced and satisfying.

Creamed Spinach works great as a side for weeknight dinners when time is short but nutrition is non-negotiable. Serve it with pasta or spread over baked potatoes for a creamy greens side dish that feels like a treat.

Leftovers? Yes! I twist it into breakfast by folding it into scrambled eggs or mixing it into a breakfast casserole. That’s a great way to sneak spinach into morning meals without extra effort.

Seasonally, I’ve swapped fresh spinach for kale in the colder months or added a handful of chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley to keep the recipe lively for spring and summer dinners.

Friends always comment on how comforting this garlic cream spinach feels—it’s their go-to at potlucks and family gatherings when I need to bring a wholesome dish people will enjoy.

If you want to try more family-friendly ways to enjoy creamy spinach with a twist, check out my homemade spinach artichoke dip or the jalapeño spinach artichoke dip for a little kick—both hits in my house!

1. Is this Creamed Spinach really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! Spinach is rich in iron and vitamins that support growth. The creamy sauce helps kids enjoy greens without struggle—which means they get nutrients without a battle.

2. What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Creamed Spinach?
Try blending the cooked spinach and sauce smooth or mixing it into favorite dishes like mashed potatoes or pasta. Sometimes texture helps picky palates warm up to veggies.

3. Can I meal prep this Creamed Spinach for busy weeks ahead?
Definitely. Cool completely and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep that creamy texture.

4. What’s the best spinach for this recipe: fresh or frozen?
Both work well. Fresh spinach gives a bright flavor, while frozen is budget-friendly and time-saving. Fresh often wins for presentation, but frozen is a smart backup.

5. Can I add extra protein to make this a one-dish meal?
Yes! Stir in cooked shredded chicken or crumbled tofu for a protein boost. Leftover roasted chicken pairs nicely with Creamed Spinach.

6. Is there a dairy-free Creamed Spinach option?
I’ve swapped butter for olive oil and regular milk for unsweetened almond milk to create a dairy-free garlic cream spinach version that still feels indulgent.

7. How can I add more flavor without extra fat?
Garlic and shallots pack flavor without adding calories. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy note that kids often enjoy.

If you want to try a cream-less creamed spinach variation, Liz’s Healthy Table offers a lovely alternative that fits perfectly with simple nutrition goals.

For more community goodness, there’s a whole group of moms chatting about creamed spinach recipes and hacks—join the conversation here!

This Creamed Spinach recipe supports my family’s nutrition goals by making spinach approachable, tasty, and doable on busy days.

My Creamed Spinach Nutrition Hacks:

• I add garlic early for its immune-boosting properties.
• Using a spinach béchamel base creates a creamy texture without heavy cream.
• Squeezing frozen spinach dry saves from extra water diluting nutrients.

My family enjoys different versions—my husband loves the classic buttery creamed spinach, the kids favor the garlic cream spinach, and I’m a fan of sneaking in fresh herbs for added nutrients.

Making this Creamed Spinach your own is part of the fun! Play with amounts and seasoning until it fits your family’s flavor and wellness needs.

I hope you feel encouraged to try this simple, nourishing, family-friendly recipe. It’s a dinnertime nutrition win that embraces the beautiful chaos of feeding busy families well.

Remember, if your family loves this creamy spinach with cream sauce, they’ll also enjoy these family-friendly spinach gems: creamy spinach and mushroom gnocchi, homemade spinach artichoke dip, and jalapeño spinach artichoke dip.

Cooking nourishing food for your loved ones isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating moments of health and happiness in everyday meals. You’ve got this, fellow nutrition-seekers!