🥬 Keto Creamed Spinach (Ultra Creamy, Low-Carb & Ready in 20 Minutes)
This Keto Creamed Spinach is rich, velvety, and packed with flavor—without the flour or hidden carbs. It’s the perfect low-carb side dish for steak nights, holiday dinners, or an easy weeknight upgrade. Made with fresh spinach, heavy cream, garlic, and parmesan, this dish delivers classic comfort while staying fully keto-friendly.
📊 Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
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Net Carbs: ~4g
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Fat: 22g
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Protein: 6g
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Calories: ~240
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Serving Size: 1 cup
(Based on 6 servings)
🛒 Ingredients
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1 ½ lbs fresh spinach (or 16 oz frozen spinach, thawed & drained very well)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ small onion, finely chopped (optional but adds depth)
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1 cup heavy cream
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
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¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional but classic)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Spinach
If using fresh spinach, rinse thoroughly and remove thick stems.
If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s completely thawed and squeezed dry—excess moisture will thin your sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat:
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Melt butter.
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Add chopped onion (if using) and cook 2–3 minutes until soft.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Add fresh spinach in batches. It will look like a lot at first, but it shrinks quickly.
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Stir gently until fully wilted (about 3–5 minutes).
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If using frozen spinach, simply stir it in and heat through.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Lower heat to medium-low.
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Stir in heavy cream.
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Add softened cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
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Sprinkle in parmesan cheese and mix well.
Let simmer for 5–7 minutes until thick and creamy.
Step 5: Season & Finish
Add:
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Salt and pepper
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Nutmeg
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
Simmer until sauce thickens to your liking. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of cream.
🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Keto Creamed Spinach
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Drain well! Excess water is the #1 mistake.
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Use freshly grated parmesan for smoother melting.
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For extra richness, add 1 tbsp cream cheese at the end.
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Want it thicker? Simmer longer or add a pinch of xanthan gum.
🥩 What to Serve It With
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Grilled ribeye steak
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Garlic butter chicken
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Roasted salmon
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Keto meatloaf
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Holiday turkey dinner
It pairs especially well with high-protein mains because the cream balances everything beautifully.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Not ideal—cream sauces may separate.
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Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream to revive texture.
🧀 Variations
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Cheesy Upgrade: Add shredded mozzarella for stretch.
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Bacon Version: Stir in crispy chopped bacon.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use full-fat coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
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Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños.
💡 Why This Recipe Works for Keto
Traditional creamed spinach uses flour to thicken the sauce. This version skips flour completely and relies on:
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Heavy cream
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Cream cheese
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Parmesan
This keeps carbs low while maintaining thick, luscious texture.
