Easy 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach Recipe

When you need a simple, quick, and delicious side dish, 3 ingredient creamed spinach is the perfect answer. This dish is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—all without the hassle of long ingredient lists and complicated steps. Whether you’re serving it as a side for your holiday dinner or adding it to a weeknight meal, creamed spinach made with just three ingredients proves that less can truly be more.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making this effortless yet impressive dish, including the ingredients, steps, variations, and ways to serve it. With minimal prep and only a few ingredients, creamed spinach can be ready in no time, saving you both time and stress in the kitchen.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach

Ready to make the easiest creamed spinach ever? Follow this simple guide for the perfect 3 ingredient creamed spinach dish every time.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds frozen spinach, defrosted and drained
• 8 oz block of cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Defrost and Drain the Spinach: Start by defrosting the frozen spinach. You can microwave it for 8-10 minutes or leave it out at room temperature. Once thawed, drain any excess moisture by pressing the spinach with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial to ensure the spinach isn’t watery.
2. Cook the Spinach with Cream Cheese: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, add the spinach and cream cheese. Stir constantly, breaking up the cream cheese as it melts into the spinach. Continue stirring until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Parmesan Cheese: Once the cream cheese is well combined with the spinach, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and blend into the mixture.
4. Season and Serve: Taste the spinach and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while it’s warm, creamy, and delicious.

By following these simple steps, you'll have a perfectly creamy spinach dish in no time. For more creamy inspiration, take a look at this delicious creamy shrimp pasta recipe for another quick and satisfying meal.

Check out this guide for vegan cream cheese substitutes to find the best plant-based alternative for your dish.

Serving Suggestions for 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach

3 ingredient creamed spinach is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to serve it depending on the occasion. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. As a Side Dish

• The most traditional way to enjoy creamed spinach is as a side dish. It pairs perfectly with roasted meats, chicken, or seafood. For a holiday meal or a cozy weeknight dinner, serve it alongside roast chicken or turkey. The creamy texture of the spinach contrasts well with roasted proteins, making it a crowd-pleasing option.

2. As a Dip

• This dish can also double as a creamy spinach dip. Serve it with pita chips, crusty bread, or crackers for an easy appetizer. If you’re hosting a gathering, this option is sure to be a hit with guests. You can even sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and bake it in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly.

3. With Pasta or Potatoes

• For a heartier option, serve the creamed spinach with pasta or use it as a topping for baked potatoes. Stirring the creamed spinach into cooked pasta creates a quick and satisfying spinach pasta dish, while spooning it over a baked potato adds a creamy, indulgent topping.

4. With Eggs

• Another creative way to enjoy this dish is to serve it with eggs for breakfast or brunch. Use the creamed spinach as a filling for an omelette or serve it alongside poached or scrambled eggs. The richness of the spinach pairs perfectly with eggs and makes for a hearty start to your day.

If you're looking for a light yet satisfying pairing, consider trying it with this street corn pasta salad recipe for a delicious and balanced meal.

How to Store and Reheat 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach

One of the best things about 3 ingredient creamed spinach is that it stores well, making it a great option for meal prepping or leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat your spinach dish:

Storing in the Refrigerator

• Once your spinach has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve as the dish sits, making it a fantastic option for reheating later in the week.

Freezing 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach

• If you’d like to freeze your creamed spinach for later, it’s easy to do so. Transfer the cooled spinach to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Creamed Spinach

• To reheat, transfer the spinach to a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the mixture if needed. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until warm.

3 ingredient creamed spinach is the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. With just three ingredients, you can create a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a holiday meal or turning it into a quick dip for a party, this recipe has something for everyone.

For more ideas on how to elevate simple dishes, try experimenting with some of the variations listed here, or check out other quick and easy recipes like this quinoa chicken bowl recipe. 

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