Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? That’s right, we’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach recipe! Get ready for a dish that’s gonna make your taste buds do a happy dance. This is no ordinary side – it’s a culinary adventure that’s gonna have your friends and family begging for seconds. Life gave us ingredients, and we’re about to make them LEGENDARY!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach
This dish is an absolute game-changer, y’all. The creamy, garlicky sauce is like a flavor explosion in your mouth, and the Parmesan cheese takes it to the next level. Plus, the spinach adds a delicious, nutrient-packed punch that’ll have you feeling like a culinary superhero. This recipe is about to become your new go-to for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or just anytime you need a serious flavor boost. Warning: This dish causes serious food jealousy, so get ready to have all your friends and family begging for the recipe!
Ingredients
We’re keeping the ingredient list simple, but the flavor is anything but basic. You’ll need fresh spinach, heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. That’s it! With these amazing ingredients, we’re about to create a dish that’s absolutely INSANE – and I’m not even sorry about it.
- 10 oz – Fresh spinach, rinsed and roughly chopped
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
- 4 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 cup – Grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 3 tbsp – Unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp – Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp – Freshly ground black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Heavy Cream: You can use half-and-half instead for a slightly lighter version (it’ll still be rich and creamy!)
- Parmesan Cheese: Swap in some grated Pecorino Romano cheese for an extra-savory twist. Or, use a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach
Alright, let’s get this party started! We’re about to turn this dish into a flavor explosion that’ll have you licking your plate clean.
Step 1: Prep Work
First, let’s get our ingredients ready to go. Rinse the spinach and give it a rough chop, mince the garlic, and grate the Parmesan cheese. This dish comes together quickly, so having everything prepped and ready is key.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, let’s get this party started! In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Don’t let the garlic burn – we want it to be golden and delicious. Next, add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Whisk everything together until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Mmm, can you smell that flavor explosion?
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Alright, time to add the star of the show – the spinach! Toss the chopped spinach into the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and let it wilt down, about 2-3 minutes. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper, and give it all a good stir to combine.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
This dish is already looking and smelling incredible, but we’ve got one more step to really make it pop. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for that extra cheesy, melty goodness. Trust me, this is the ultimate finishing touch that’s gonna take your taste buds on a wild ride.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add Crunch: Try adding some crumbled bacon or toasted pine nuts for a delicious, savory crunch.
- Swap Greens: Not a spinach fan? You can use kale or Swiss chard instead for a different flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic sauté.
- Make It Cheesy: Experiment with different cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach is the ultimate side dish, but it can also be a show-stopping main course. Serve it up alongside your favorite protein, like grilled chicken or salmon, for a complete and incredibly satisfying meal.
Storage: And don’t worry about leftovers – this dish reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy the flavors for days to come. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Make-Ahead: This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach is also a great make-ahead option. Prepare the dish a day or two in advance, then simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse! The spinach is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream provide a dose of satisfying protein and healthy fats. Plus, the garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties. So, not only is this dish an epic flavor explosion, but it’s also a nutritional superstar that’s gonna have you feeling amazing.
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbs: 8 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Sodium: 575 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works great in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You bet! This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach reheats beautifully, so you can make it a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How can I make this dish more keto-friendly?
To make this recipe more keto-friendly, simply use a low-carb milk alternative, like unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, instead of the heavy cream. You can also increase the amount of Parmesan cheese to amp up the fat and protein content.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan is the classic choice, you can experiment with other hard, aged cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. You can also try a blend of cheeses for an extra flavor boost.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re a spice lover, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the garlic sauté. You can also use a spicy Parmesan cheese or drizzle some hot sauce over the top before serving.
Try These Next
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Mains
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh spinach
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
1. 1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. 2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. 3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. 4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. 5. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
6. 6. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
7. 7. Serve warm as a side dish or over pasta for a main course.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: spinach, garlic, parmesan, creamy, side dish