Hidden Vegetable Creamed Spinach
A vibrant side dish where pureed carrots create a subtle sweetness and vibrant color, hidden within the creamy spinach sauce. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh spinach, medium carrot, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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.
Ingredients
- 10 oz fresh spinach
- 1 medium carrot
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Steam 1 medium peeled and chopped carrot for 5 minutes until very soft, then puree until smooth using a blender.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add 10 oz fresh spinach and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until wilted and reduced by half.
- Step 3: Stir in the 1/4 cup pureed carrot, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. If too thick, stir in 2 tbsp milk until desired consistency.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hidden Vegetable Creamed Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Hidden Vegetable Creamed Spinach?
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 fresh spinach from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Vegetable Creamed Spinach?
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 Hidden Vegetable Creamed Spinach 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 Hidden Vegetable Creamed Spinach vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is the best creamed spinach I've ever had! The hidden veggies make it so healthy and the flavor is perfect. Will make again.
- ★★★★★
My kids couldn't tell the veggies were in there! They loved it and ate it all. Made for dinner tonight and it was a hit.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the recipe overall, but it took a bit longer to cook than the recipe said. Still a hit with the kids!
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