Prepare to elevate your culinary skills with this mouthwatering Sautéed Spinach with Garlic Parmesan recipe that promises to turn even the most reluctant vegetable eaters into spinach enthusiasts! In just 15 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality side dish that's bursting with flavor, nutrition, and irresistible Italian-inspired charm. Whether you're a busy home cook or a seasoned chef, this simple yet sophisticated recipe will become your new go-to green sensation.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the fresh spinach leaves under cold running water, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed. Gently pat dry using clean paper towels or a salad spinner.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves using a sharp knife, creating small, uniform pieces to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Heat olive oil in a large, wide skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers slightly.
- Add minced garlic to the heated oil and sauté for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant and turn a light golden color.
- Gradually add the prepared spinach leaves to the pan, using tongs or a spatula to gently fold the leaves into the garlic and oil. Work in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding.
- Cook the spinach for 2-3 minutes, continuously turning and stirring, until the leaves begin to wilt and reduce in volume.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, continuing to toss the spinach to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Once the spinach is tender and bright green, remove the pan from heat. The total cooking time should not exceed 4-5 minutes to maintain the spinach's vibrant color and nutrients.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot spinach, allowing the residual heat to slightly melt the cheese.
- Transfer the sautéed spinach to a serving dish, ensuring an even distribution of garlic and Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Use Fresh Spinach: Always opt for fresh spinach leaves for the best texture and flavor. Avoid pre-packaged bags that might have wilted leaves.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook spinach in batches if needed to ensure each leaf gets properly sautéed and maintains its vibrant green color.
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so keep it moving and remove from heat if it starts turning dark brown to prevent bitterness.
- Control Moisture: Pat spinach leaves completely dry before cooking to prevent steaming instead of sautéing.
- Serve Immediately: Sautéed spinach is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking to preserve its texture and maximize flavor.
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most robust flavor and best melting properties.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 8mg
