Creamy Dreamy Garlic Spinach
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a vibrant, flavourful side that's ready in a flash? You know? My grandma always said eat your greens . This Creamy Garlic Spinach recipe is the perfect way to do just that.
It is packed with flavour!
Brief Overview
This Creamy Garlic Spinach dish is a classic with Italian roots. It's super easy to make, and will only take you about 25 minutes.
It yields about 4 servings, perfect for a small family dinner.
Main Benefits
This dish is a powerhouse of nutrients. Spinach Side Dish is rich in iron and vitamins. This recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or even a fancy weekend brunch.
What makes it special? The creamy garlic sauce turns humble spinach into something truly irresistible.
Ingredients: The Starting Lineup
Let's gather our troops, shall we?
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) red pepper flakes
- 1 pound (450 g) fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Equipment: Your Kitchen Arsenal
Before we start, let's make sure we have everything we need.
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander or salad spinner
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
Let's Get Cooking: The Creamy Garlic Spinach Journey
Ready to transform simple ingredients into a flavour bomb? Making Garlic Spinach is easier than you think. Follow along. Soon you will have a very tempting Creamy Spinach ready to be enjoyed.
Taming the Spinach with cream sauce Beast
Honestly, the trick to perfect Creamy Garlic Spinach is not overcooking the spinach. Keep it bright and vibrant. Don't let it turn to mush.
Creamy Dreamy Garlic Spinach: The Green That Sings!
This Creamy Garlic Spinach recipe is about to become your new favourite side. Honestly, it’s like a warm hug on a plate.
Imagine the love child of a comforting classic and a vibrant garden. We're talking restaurant quality flavour, right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, let's dive into what you'll need for this smashing Creamy Garlic Spinach . Don’t worry, it's all pretty straightforward. This Spinach Side Dish is one that's totally achievable.
Main Ingredients
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . This is the base.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced (about 2 tablespoons). Good quality garlic is key.
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) optional, for a little kick!
- Fresh spinach: 1 pound (450 g) , washed and chopped. Look for vibrant, crisp leaves.
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Don't skimp on the cream.
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (60 ml) , plus extra for garnish. Real Parmesan, please.
- Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon (15 g) . Adds richness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Seasoning is your friend.
- Nutmeg: A pinch. Optional, for warmth.
Seasoning Notes
This Garlic Spinach hinges on the right flavours. Garlic and Parmesan are the stars. For a kick, use red pepper flakes! No flakes? A dash of chili powder works.
Want a quick spinach side dish ? Just adjust seasoning to your liking. Honestly, I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need much for this Easy spinach recipe ! Just the basics!
- Large skillet.
- Colander.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Chef's knife.
- Cutting board.
If you don't have a colander, use a clean tea towel to dry the Spinach with cream sauce . A regular frying pan can sub for a skillet too! I once used a wok!
Creamy Dreamy Garlic Spinach: The Green That Sings!
Honestly, have you ever met a veggie dish as satisfying as Creamy Garlic Spinach ? I mean, seriously. This is not your average spinach side dish.
It's next level . We're talking proper comfort food with a healthy twist, perfect with a grilled steak or even just piled high on toast.
This easy spinach recipe is about to become your new go-to.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, let's get our mise en place sorted. That basically means having everything prepped and ready to go.
Wash and roughly chop about 450g of fresh spinach. Mince 4 cloves of garlic. Don't skimp on the garlic; it's what makes this recipe sing! Grate about 60 ml of Parmesan.
Having everything prepped saves you time and keeps things running smoothly.
step-by-step: From Spinach to Sensation
Ready to cook some magic?
- Heat 30 ml of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add your minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1- 2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is bitter and no one wants that.
- Toss in the chopped spinach. Cook, stirring, for 3- 5 minutes until it wilts.
- Stir in 120 ml of heavy cream, 60 ml of Parmesan, and 15 g of butter. Add a tiny pinch of nutmeg if you fancy.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2- 3 minutes , until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Spinach Game
Want to really nail this Creamed Spinach recipe ? First, make sure your spinach is DRY before you add it to the pan.
Soggy spinach equals a watery sauce, and nobody wants that. If you want to get creative, then adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavour.
The whole dish is a quick spinach side dish that will be done in a matter of minutes! Garlic Parmesan Spinach like you have never tasted before.
This Spinach with cream sauce it is really one of the Creamy Garlic Spinach recipe of my dreams. I always serve it at home as a good way to get veggies into my loved ones.
Recipe Notes for Next Level Creamy Garlic Spinach
Alright, let’s talk about elevating this Spinach Side Dish from good to oh my gosh! You know? We all want that restaurant quality experience at home, and these notes will help you get there.
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Honestly, even the simplest dish looks amazing with a little effort. For this Creamy Garlic Spinach , think about serving it in individual ramekins for a fancy vibe.
A simple garnish of freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a pop of colour. If you are looking to complement any mains, this Garlic Spinach loves steak! It also goes nicely with grilled chicken or even baked salmon.
If you want a little something extra, try a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the cream sauce.
Storage Secrets: Keepin' it Fresh
Listen, leftovers happen! To keep your Creamy Spinach tasting amazing, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll be good for up to 3 days, tops.
Freezing isn’t really recommended. The cream sauce can separate and get a weird texture. I tried it once and it was a bit grim.
If you are reheating, gently warm it up in a pan on low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up if it seems dry.
Variations: Your Spinach, Your Rules
Wanna spice things up? For a dairy-free version of this Easy Spinach Recipe , swap the heavy cream for cashew cream. It gives you the richness without the dairy!
If you want Garlic Parmesan Spinach , try throwing in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavour and colour in summer.
Sometimes i like to cook this Veggie Dishes and adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bit of tang.
Seriously, it brightens everything up!
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Green
Let's face it, we aren't always thinking of nutrition when we crave some Spinach with cream sauce . But this Creamy Garlic Spinach is surprisingly good for you.
Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, and the dairy gives you a bit of protein. This Quick Spinach Side Dish is about 220 calories a serving and gives you a decent dose of fibre.
Basically, you're getting some greens and some comfort, all in one go!
So there you have it! Your guide to taking Creamy Garlic Spinach to the next level. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this Creamy Garlic Spinach recipe?
Absolutely, using frozen spinach is perfectly fine! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as you can you don't want a watery sauce. Think of it like wringing out a wet towel, get all that moisture out before adding it to the pan.
No one wants a soggy bottom, especially in their Creamy Garlic Spinach!
My Creamy Garlic Spinach sauce isn't thickening up. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, a classic problem! This usually happens if there's too much liquid in the pan, often from not draining the spinach well enough (especially if using frozen). Increase the heat slightly and continue to simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce reduces and thickens.
You can also add a tiny bit of cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) if needed, but be careful not to add too much, or it will become gluey.
How long does Creamy Garlic Spinach last in the fridge, and how do I reheat it?
Your Creamy Garlic Spinach will usually keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, you can gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
A splash of cream or milk can help revive the sauce if it's dried out a bit - nobody likes a dried out Creamy Garlic Spinach!
Can I make this Creamy Garlic Spinach dairy-free or vegan?
Yes, you certainly can! For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for a plant based cream alternative like oat or soy cream. Replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour. It's like a vegan makeover of a classic, giving you all the flavour without the dairy.
You could even add a little bit of vegan butter for added richness!
I want to add more flavour to my Creamy Garlic Spinach, any ideas?
Loads of ways to pimp up your spinach! A pinch of nutmeg adds a lovely warmth. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness. Some people like a little kick, so a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce works wonders.
Or, for a really decadent twist, stir in some crispy fried bacon bits - now that's what I call flavour!
Creamy Dreamy Garlic Spinach
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 220 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
