Italian 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.
- Author: Amy
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
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
- 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