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Best Healthy Creamed Spinach (15 Minutes) Recipe

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4.1 from 45 reviews

This Best Healthy Creamed Spinach recipe is a quick and nutritious side dish that combines tender spinach with a rich and creamy sauce made from butter, onions, garlic, and a milk-cream blend. Ready in just 15 minutes, it offers a comforting yet lighter take on classic creamed spinach, perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 10 oz package chopped frozen spinach (or 15 cups fresh baby spinach, about 1 1/2 lbs or 16 oz, roughly chopped)
  • 3 tablespoons butter and oil, any combination (e.g., 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp oil)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions or onion (about 1/2 medium onion)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic – about 1 clove (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or 1 1/2 tablespoons arrowroot flour for gluten free)
  • 1 1/4 cups milk (fat free, 2% or whole milk)
  • 1/4 cup half and half (10% cream)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese or more, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Spinach: Cook the frozen spinach in the microwave as per package instructions by adding a teaspoon of water and microwaving it covered on High for 3 1/2 minutes. Drain in a strainer and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. For fresh spinach, cook it down by steaming or sautéing until wilted, then squeeze out excess moisture.
  2. Make Cream Sauce: Heat the butter and/or oil over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Add the chopped onions and sauté gently for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in the flour to create a roux, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until it turns a pale brown without browning too much.
  3. Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in the milk and half and half cream (totaling 1 1/2 cups or 354 ml), continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using, adjusting to your taste.
  4. Combine and Finish: Stir the well-drained spinach into the cream sauce until fully blended. Add Parmesan cheese if desired and stir until melted and incorporated. If the mixture is too thick, adjust by adding more milk to reach your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
  5. Serve: Serve the creamed spinach immediately as a delicious and healthy side dish. It can also be made ahead and reheated gently.

Notes

  • If using fresh spinach, roughly chop about 15 cups and cook until wilted; then squeeze out excess water before adding to the sauce.
  • Use any combination of butter and oil to maintain a balance of flavor and healthy fats.
  • To make ahead, prepare completely then cool, refrigerate, and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with arrowroot flour.
  • Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more milk or cream depending on your preference.
  • Parmesan cheese adds savory depth but can be omitted to make it lighter or dairy-free if substituted.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/best-healthy-creamed-spinach-15-minutes-recipe/