Creamy Spinach with Chicken Broth and Real Cream

Creamed Fresh Spinach

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Spinach
Cuisine: American
Yield: 4 servings (approximately)
Calories per Serving: 152.3

Description

Creamed spinach is a classic dish that perfectly complements any meal, from hearty steaks to simple roasted chicken. This variation stands out because it uses fresh spinach, real cream, and chicken broth, giving it a rich, savory flavor. The addition of subtle spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon adds depth, while the reduced-sodium chicken broth keeps it flavorful without overwhelming the dish. Whether you’re a fan of sweet onions or not, this dish is versatile enough to suit your preferences. For a different flavor profile, swap the sweet onion for a regular white onion.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh spinach	2 bunches
Sweet onion (or regular white onion)	1/2 onion
Ground nutmeg	1/4 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon	1/8 teaspoon
Salt	1/8 teaspoon
Reduced-sodium chicken broth	1/2 cup
Heavy cream	1/2 cup

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	152.3
Total Fat	11.9g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	40.8mg
Sodium	217.2mg
Carbohydrates	8.9g
Dietary Fiber	3.9g
Sugars	1.6g
Protein	5.9g

Instructions

Prepare the spinach: Rinse the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water. Shake the leaves to remove excess water, but keep some moisture on the leaves. This will help steam the spinach as it cooks.
Cook the spinach: Remove any tough stems from the spinach, then place the spinach leaves into a large saucepan. Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for approximately 4 minutes, checking halfway through to flip the leaves. This ensures even cooking and wilting of the spinach.
Strain the spinach: Once the spinach is wilted, transfer it to a mesh strainer. Run cold water over the spinach to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming overcooked. Let it cool in the strainer.
Dry and chop the spinach: Once the spinach has cooled, squeeze out any excess liquid by hand. Chop the spinach coarsely, ensuring it’s finely cut but still maintains some texture.
Prepare the cream mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped onion, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, salt, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Leave the pan uncovered, allowing the mixture to reduce slowly to about 3/4 cup. Stir occasionally, adjusting the heat as necessary to avoid burning. This process will take about 15-20 minutes.
Combine spinach and cream mixture: Once the cream mixture has reduced, add the coarsely chopped spinach to the pan. Stir to combine the spinach with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt or spices to suit your preferences.
Serve: If making the dish in advance, allow the creamed spinach to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the dish in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through and bubbling (about 4 minutes).

Tips for Success:

If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to swap the sweet onion for a regular white onion or even a shallot.
For extra richness, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with sour cream or cream cheese.
If you’re in a hurry, pre-washed bagged spinach can be used in place of fresh spinach; however, fresh leaves will always provide a better texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This creamy, comforting side dish is rich without being overly heavy, thanks to the use of fresh spinach and a reduced-sodium chicken broth base. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a variety of main courses, adding a touch of elegance with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adjusted for flavor preferences and dietary needs.

Pairings:

Grilled steak
Roasted chicken
Baked salmon
Mashed potatoes

Enjoy this delicious creamed fresh spinach as a comforting side dish that adds a touch of indulgence to any meal.