Creamed Garlic Spinach with Parmesan and Bacon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, creamy keto side dish combining sautéed spinach, smoky bacon, and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying low-carb accompaniment. This american-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs chopped bacon strips, roughly chopped fresh spinach leaves, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 4 chopped bacon slices until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet with bacon fat. Once melted, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 10 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach leaves to the skillet, stirring continuously until wilted down, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and stir to combine. Cook over low heat for 3 minutes until the cream thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well until cheese melts and coats the spinach.
  6. Step 6: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet, stir to combine, and serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamed Garlic Spinach with Parmesan and Bacon take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamed Garlic Spinach with Parmesan and Bacon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped bacon strips from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamed Garlic Spinach with Parmesan and Bacon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamed Garlic Spinach with Parmesan and Bacon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Creamed Garlic Spinach with Parmesan and Bacon keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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