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Easy Keto Creamed Spinach

Achieve restaurant-quality creamed spinach at home with this simple, low-carb recipe. It's a rich, flavorful side dish perfect for any meal, ready in about 15 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 170

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1-pound / 450 g bag fresh spinach
  • 1 large shallot minced
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 3 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes
  • cup heavy whipping cream
  • cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • teaspoon ground white pepper
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg

Equipment

  • 3-quart saucier or wide saucepan
  • Colander
  • Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Wilt the Greens : Place the saucier over medium heat. Working in two batches, add the fresh spinach and cook, turning occasionally, until fully wilted, about 2–3 minutes per batch. Transfer the wilted spinach to a colander.
  2. Expel Moisture : Once the spinach is cool enough to handle, press it firmly against the sides of the colander with a spoon or squeeze it with your hands to remove as much excess water as possible. Set the drained spinach aside.
  3. Build the Aromatic Base : Return the saucier to medium-low heat and add the butter. Once it melts, add the minced shallot and cook until softened and translucent, stirring for 3–4 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Form the Cream Sauce : Pour in the broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Add the cream cheese cubes and heavy cream, whisking gently as the cream cheese melts to create a smooth, uniform sauce.
  5. Season and Infuse : Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it has fully melted into the sauce. Season with the sea salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Allow the sauce to gently bubble at the edges for about 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Combine and Finish : Fold the dry, wilted spinach into the cream sauce. Stir until every leaf is coated and the mixture is heated through, which should take about 2–3 minutes. The final dish should be thick and creamy. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

👨‍🍳 Chef’s Notes

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frozen Spinach Shortcut: For a quicker prep, substitute a 12-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach. Ensure it’s fully thawed and thoroughly squeezed of all liquid before adding it to the sauce in the final step.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, whisk in an extra tablespoon of heavy cream or broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Nutrition (per serving, approx.):

  • Calories: 170 kcal
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Carbs: 7 g
  • Fat: 14 g (Saturated Fat: 9 g)
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Net Carbs: 5 g
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
  • Potassium: 580 mg