Creamed spinach is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with so many entrees, and it’s a rich and decadent dish that is sure to impress your dinner guests. While there are many variations of creamed spinach, one of my favorites is made with mascarpone cheese. This gives it a more complex flavor and creamier texture, and it melts to make a velvety smooth sauce that’s hard to resist.
This post may contain affiliate link(s). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See Disclosure.
What is Creamed Spinach?
Creamed spinach is a classic side dish that is commonly served in steakhouses. It is made by cooking fresh spinach in a creamy sauce until it is wilted and tender. The sauce is usually made with heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese, and sometimes garlic and onion are added for flavor.
What you’ll love about Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
- It’s rich, creamy, and velvety, and pairs so well with so many main dishes.
- This is an easy recipe that’s ready in just minutes!
- You can use cream cheese if you can’t find mascarpone.
Ingredients
- Spinach – Used fresh bundled or bagged spinach from the store. I use the older, more mature spinach and not baby spinach for this Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone recipe. Save the baby spinach for salads.
- Heavy whipping cream – You don’t need much.
- Dehydrated onion – This has more flavor than onion powder but less than fresh onion.
- Dehydrated garlic – Like dehydrated onions, it has a great flavor, and I use this a LOT.
- Mascarpone
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
What is Mascarpone?
Mascarpone is a soft, creamy cheese that is similar in texture to cream cheese. It is made from whole cream and is slightly sweet with a mild buttery flavor. Mascarpone is commonly used in Italian desserts like tiramisu but can also be used in savory dishes like creamed spinach. Its rich and creamy texture makes it a perfect addition to the sauce, giving the dish a velvety smoothness and a subtle tanginess.
How To Make The Best Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
- Prepare your spinach – thoroughly wash and remove any tough stems. Shake it dry. You want some water clinging to the leaves.
- Add the washed spinach to a large skillet and cook it over medium-low heat; it will wilt down significantly. Sauté until all the spinach is wilted and any excess liquid has evaporated.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream, dehydrated onion, and dehydrated garlic, stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Add in the mascarpone cheese and continue to stir until it melts into the spinach and cream, creating a creamy sauce.
- Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined, and the spinach is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Allow it to simmer for 1-2 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
- Season the creamed spinach with salt and pepper to taste.
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Wash the spinach carefully under cold running water. Nobody likes gritty creamed spinach.
- Keep the heat down – cream sauces don’t like to be boiled too hard. You’ll risk breaking the sauce.
- Like it creamier? Add a bit more mascarpone.
- Like it spicy? Add a pinch of crushed pepper flakes before serving.
Recommended
Make It A Meal
Wondering what to serve with Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone? This dish pairs so well with a variety of mains, but some of my favorite are steaks and other beefy dishes like this delish picanha. Grilled steak and creamed spinach go hand-in-hand, but you could also try it with pork chops, oven-baked chicken, or salmon.
Storage
Refrigerate any leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop in a skillet.
Step By Step Process
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spinach washed
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion
- 1 teaspoon dehydrated garlic
- 1/4 cup mascarpone or cream cheese
Instructions
- Prepare your spinach – thoroughly wash and remove any tough stems. Shake it dry. You want some water clinging to the leaves.
- Add the washed spinach to a large skillet and cook it over medium-low heat; it will wilt down significantly. Sauté until all the spinach is wilted and any excess liquid has evaporated.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream, dehydrated onion, and dehydrated garlic, stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Add in the mascarpone cheese and continue to stir until it melts into the spinach and cream, creating a creamy sauce.
- Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined, and the spinach is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Allow it to simmer for 1-2 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
- Season the creamed spinach with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
-
- Wash the spinach carefully under cold running water. Nobody likes gritty creamed spinach.
- Keep the heat down – cream sauces don’t like to be boiled too hard. You’ll risk breaking the sauce.
- Like it creamier? Add a bit more mascarpone.
- Like it spicy? Add a pinch of crushed pepper flakes before serving.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
