Steakhouse Creamed Spinach for Two Recipe
This Steakhouse Creamed Spinach for Two recipe offers a rich and indulgent side dish perfect for steak dinners or any meal needing a luscious vegetable accompaniment. Made with fresh baby spinach, a creamy half-and-half base, and enhanced with shallots, garlic, nutmeg, and parmesan, it delivers classic steakhouse flavors in just 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. Unsalted Butter (or Olive oil)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced Shallot
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/8 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
- 1/2 cup Half & Half
- 6 oz. fresh Baby Spinach
- 1 tbsp. Whipped Cream Cheese
- 3 tbsp. Grated Parmesan
- Salt + Pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp. fresh Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: Tear any thick stems off the baby spinach leaves and discard them. Roughly chop the leaves and set aside to prepare for cooking.
- Melt Butter or Oil: In an 8-inch nonstick saute pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter or olive oil to create the flavor base for the creamed spinach.
- Sauté Shallots and Aromatics: Add the thinly sliced shallots and a pinch of salt to the pan and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and ground nutmeg and cook for another 30 seconds to release their fragrance.
- Add Half & Half and Thicken: Pour in 1/2 cup of half and half, stirring continuously. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, so the mixture thickens without separating.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the chopped spinach in heaping handfuls, stirring after each addition to wilt and incorporate all the greens evenly into the creamy base.
- Add Cream Cheese and Parmesan: Stir in 1 tablespoon of whipped cream cheese until smooth, then mix in 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese. Remove the pan from the heat once fully combined.
- Season and Finish: Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, and add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve Warm: Give the creamed spinach a final stir, then serve immediately warm as a perfect steakhouse side.
Notes
- Using fresh baby spinach provides a tender texture and sweet flavor characteristic of steakhouse versions.
- Half and half is key to creating a creamy texture without being too heavy—avoid using whole cream for a balanced richness.
- Whipped cream cheese melts smoothly and adds a slight tang; regular cream cheese can be substituted but may be more dense.
- Fresh lemon juice at the end cuts through the richness and brightens the dish.
- This recipe is best enjoyed immediately but can be gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of milk or half and half to loosen the sauce.
