Italian Sautéed Baby Spinach Recipe
Introduction
This Italian Sautéed Baby Spinach is a simple and flavorful side dish that comes together in minutes. With garlic, a hint of chili, and a sprinkle of parmesan, it’s a perfect way to elevate fresh spinach for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tbsp)
- 1/2 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)
- 16 oz baby spinach, pre-washed
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a large frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, and chili pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic and chili flakes become fragrant and just begin to bubble, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 2: Working in batches, add about one-third of the baby spinach to the pan and sauté until just wilted. Repeat with the remaining spinach, cooking only until the last batch is wilted.
- Step 3: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the finely grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder garlic flavor, sauté the garlic on low heat more slowly before adding the spinach.
- Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking for a bright, fresh twist.
- Substitute parmesan with pecorino romano for a sharper taste.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the spinach or use a microwave in short bursts.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Fresh baby spinach works best as it wilts quickly without releasing excess water. If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain it thoroughly before sautéing.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply omit the red chili pepper flakes or reduce the amount to your preference to control the heat level.
PrintItalian Sautéed Baby Spinach Recipe
This Italian Sautéed Baby Spinach is a quick and flavorful side dish featuring tender baby spinach sautéed with fragrant garlic, a hint of chili flakes, and finished with a savory sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Perfect for enhancing any meal with a nutritious and delicious green vegetable.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tbsp)
- 1/2 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)
- 16 oz baby spinach, pre-washed
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the flavor base: Place a large frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and red chili pepper flakes if using. Cook gently until the garlic and chili flakes become fragrant and the oil starts to bubble slightly, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Sauté the spinach in batches: Add about one third of the baby spinach to the pan and sauté just until it wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Continue adding the remaining spinach in batches, sautéing each batch until wilted but still vibrant green to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Finish off the dish: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the finely grated parmesan cheese thoroughly to coat the spinach and add a rich, savory flavor. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your taste preferences.
Notes
- Using pre-washed baby spinach saves prep time and ensures the dish is quicker to make.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your preference for spiciness or omit entirely for a milder flavor.
- Be sure to sauté the spinach in batches to prevent sogginess and maintain better texture.
- For extra nutty flavor, try finishing with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts.
Keywords: Italian spinach recipe, sautéed spinach, garlic spinach, side dish, baby spinach, parmesan spinach
