Healthy 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach Recipe

I’ve always loved simple recipes that don’t take much time yet taste like something special. That’s why this 3 ingredient creamed spinach healthy recipe has become one of my go-to dishes.

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It’s creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly light, making it a perfect side dish for almost any meal. Whether you’re preparing dinner on a busy weeknight or looking for something quick to serve at a family gathering, this recipe fits right in.

I personally enjoy eating this creamed spinach alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish, but it’s also fantastic with steak or even spooned over baked potatoes.

If you want something creamy, satisfying, and still on the healthier side, this dish is the answer.

Quick Recipe Info

Nutrition/Info	Details
Calories	~120 per serving
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	6g
Fat	8g
Gluten-Free	Yes
Vegan	No (but can be adapted)
Keto-Friendly	Yes
Servings	4

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

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• Only 3 simple ingredients, nothing fancy needed.
• Takes just minutes to make from start to finish.
• Creamy and comforting, yet still light and healthy.
• Pairs well with almost any main dish.
• Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
• Family-friendly and a great way to eat more greens.
• Easy to adjust for different diets or preferences.

Ingredients to Make Creamed Spinach

One of the best things about this recipe is how little you need to make it. With just three simple ingredients, you can whip up a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and comforting. You don’t have to worry about running to the store for a long list of items—these are pantry and fridge staples you probably already have on hand. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

Fresh Spinach – 10 oz (about 280 g)

Spinach is the heart of this dish. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber while being very low in calories. Fresh spinach gives the recipe a bright, earthy taste and a lovely texture once it cooks down. You can use baby spinach or regular spinach, just make sure to wash it well before cooking.

Cream Cheese – 4 oz (about 115 g)

This is what makes the dish rich and creamy. Cream cheese melts beautifully into the spinach, creating a silky sauce without the need for heavy cream. It also adds a slight tang that balances the flavor. For a healthier twist, you can use light cream cheese or even a dairy-free alternative.

Garlic – 2 cloves, minced

Garlic gives this recipe its flavor punch. Just a little bit goes a long way, adding warmth and depth to the creamy spinach. Fresh minced garlic works best, but you can also use pre-minced garlic if that’s easier for you. It blends perfectly with the cream cheese to create a savory base for the spinach.

Steps to Make Creamy & Healthy Spinach

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Making this dish is quick and simple, which is why it’s one of my favorites. You don’t need fancy techniques or hours in the kitchen—just a few minutes and three ingredients. Here’s exactly how to prepare it:

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Start by washing your spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. If you’re using regular spinach, trim off any tough stems. Baby spinach usually doesn’t need trimming and cooks down faster. Pat it dry with a kitchen towel so it doesn’t release too much water when cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, add a small splash of olive oil or a light spray of cooking oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and overpower the dish. This step builds the flavorful base for the creamed spinach.

Step 3: Cook the Spinach

Add the spinach to the skillet in batches if needed. It may look like a lot at first, but spinach wilts down quickly. Stir it gently as it cooks so that all the leaves get coated in the garlic flavor. Within just a couple of minutes, you’ll see the spinach reduce to a soft, tender texture.

Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese

Once the spinach is cooked, lower the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir slowly and let it melt into the spinach. The cream cheese will coat the leaves and turn everything into a rich, creamy mixture. Keep stirring until the spinach is evenly covered and you have a smooth, velvety consistency.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

At this stage, taste your creamed spinach. You might want to add a pinch of salt or black pepper to balance the flavors. If you prefer it extra creamy, you can stir in a splash of milk or a little more cream cheese. Once it’s perfect for your taste, remove it from the heat and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

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This creamy spinach side dish is so versatile that you can pair it with almost anything. Because it’s rich and flavorful, it works beautifully alongside proteins or carb-based mains. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

• With grilled or roasted meats – Pair it with roasted chicken, steak, or grilled fish for a balanced meal.
• Over baked potatoes or rice – Spoon the creamy spinach on top of baked potatoes, rice, or even quinoa for a comforting, filling option.
• Alongside pasta dishes – Use it as a creamy side for pasta recipes instead of traditional garlic bread.
• In wraps or sandwiches – Spread some creamed spinach in a wrap with chicken or turkey slices for a quick and flavorful lunch. You can also pair it with Sloppy joes.
• As part of a holiday spread – Serve it with turkey, ham, or lamb during festive gatherings—it adds a creamy green dish to the table.

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Meal Prep Tips: Can We Make Creamed Spinach in Advance?

Yes, you can definitely make this dish ahead of time, which makes it a great option for meal prep. Here’s how you can do it:

• Cook in advance – Prepare the creamed spinach as usual, let it cool to room temperature, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently – When ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet over low heat. If the spinach looks too thick, stir in a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
• Portion for meals – Divide the cooked spinach into small meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go sides during the week.
• Freeze for longer storage – You can also freeze creamed spinach in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Making it ahead saves time, especially if you’re planning meals for busy weeknights or preparing a big holiday dinner.

Tips and Tricks

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Even though this recipe is super simple, a few smart tips can make it taste even better and help you get perfect results every time.

• Use fresh spinach when possible – Fresh spinach gives the best texture and flavor, but frozen spinach works too if thawed and drained properly.
• Drain excess liquid – Spinach releases water as it cooks. If you want a thicker creaminess, let the liquid evaporate before adding cream cheese.
• Soften the cream cheese first – Bringing cream cheese to room temperature helps it melt more easily and blend smoothly with the spinach.
• Don’t skip the garlic – Garlic adds a savory depth. Adjust the amount to suit your taste, but don’t leave it out.
• Add a touch of spice – A pinch of nutmeg, chili flakes, or black pepper can elevate the flavor.
• Serve immediately for best texture – Creamed spinach tastes best when served hot and creamy, straight from the pan.

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Variations of Creamed Spinach

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This recipe is simple as it is, but you can easily customize it to fit different diets and flavor preferences. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Cheesy Twist – Stir in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella for an extra cheesy version.
• Vegan Version – Swap cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use olive oil instead of butter.
• Low-Calorie Option – Use light cream cheese or Greek yogurt to keep it even lighter while still creamy.
• Spicy Spinach – Add red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• With Onions or Shallots – Sauté some finely chopped onions or shallots with the garlic for extra depth.
• Frozen Spinach Shortcut – Use frozen spinach if you’re in a rush. Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before cooking.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, storing creamed spinach is simple and keeps it fresh for later.

• Refrigerator – Place cooled creamed spinach in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezer – Transfer cooled spinach into freezer-safe bags or containers, flatten to remove air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to label with the date.
• Thawing – When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

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Can We Reheat Creamed Spinach?

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Yes! Reheating creamed spinach is easy, but you’ll want to do it gently so it stays creamy and doesn’t dry out.

• Stovetop – Place the spinach in a skillet over low heat. Stir often and add a splash of milk if it looks too thick.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 30–45 seconds at a time, stirring in between until heated through.
• Oven (for large batches) – Cover with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe with frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen spinach works just as well. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before cooking, so the dish doesn’t turn watery.

2. How can I make this recipe vegan?
You can easily swap regular cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and cook the garlic in olive oil instead of butter. The result will still be creamy and delicious.

3. Is creamed spinach healthy?
Absolutely! Spinach is rich in iron, vitamins, and antioxidants. Using cream cheese keeps it creamy while still relatively light, especially compared to heavy cream-based versions.

4. Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Yes, you can. Kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens make excellent alternatives, though they may take a bit longer to cook and soften.

5. What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, baked potatoes, rice, or pasta. You can even use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.

6. Is creamed spinach keto-friendly?
Yes! Creamed spinach is naturally low in carbs, making it a great choice for a keto diet. Just make sure to use full-fat cream cheese or heavy cream, and avoid adding flour or thickeners.

7. What is steakhouse-style creamed spinach?
Steakhouse creamed spinach is a richer version often served in high-end restaurants. It typically includes heavy cream, butter, Parmesan or Gruyère cheese, and sometimes nutmeg for extra depth.

8. Can I make vegan creamed spinach?
Absolutely. Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative (like cashew cream or vegan cream cheese) and cook with olive oil or plant-based butter. The result will still be creamy and delicious.

9. How do I make Boston Market–style creamed spinach?
Boston Market creamed spinach is thicker and heartier. It often includes cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and sometimes even a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

10. Can I use frozen spinach to make creamed spinach?
Yes! Frozen spinach is convenient and works very well. Just thaw it fully and squeeze out the excess water before cooking so your dish doesn’t turn watery.

11. How do you make creamed spinach in the UK?
In the UK, creamed spinach is usually made with double cream and sometimes nutmeg. You can swap cream cheese with double cream if preferred, and it will still turn out rich and smooth.

12. How do you make creamed spinach in South Africa?
In South Africa, creamed spinach is a popular side dish, often served with pap or grilled meats. It’s commonly made with spinach, onions, cream, and sometimes a little flour for thickening.

13. Can I make creamy spinach without cream?
Yes! If you don’t have cream, you can use alternatives like Greek yogurt, milk with a little cornstarch, or even blended cottage cheese. These give creaminess without heavy cream.

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Conclusion

This Creamy & Healthy 3 Ingredient Spinach Recipe is proof that simple cooking can still be flavorful and comforting. With just spinach, garlic, and cream cheese, you get a side dish that’s creamy, nutritious, and versatile enough to serve with almost anything—from weekday dinners to festive gatherings.

If you’re a fan of quick yet indulgent comfort food, you might also enjoy my other hearty dishes like this Million Dollar Lasagna or the creamy, family-favorite Dollar Chicken. Both are rich, satisfying meals that pair beautifully with a simple side of creamed spinach.

So next time you’re in need of a quick, healthy, and creamy side dish, give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed how much flavor three simple ingredients can create!