Description
This Emerald Skillet Swirl recipe brings steakhouse luxury home with a rich, creamy side dish featuring vibrant spinach and amazing flavor. It is a game-changer for any family dinner, making an ordinary meal special with everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs baby spinach, washed and dried (or 20 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half or whole milk)
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, divided
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (or Gruyere)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated if possible
- 0.5 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wilt Spinach: In a large 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach in batches if needed. Cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted. Transfer to a colander and firmly squeeze out all excess water once cool enough to handle.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Saute for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the squeezed spinach back into the cream sauce. Stir well to combine. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and bubbly.
Notes
To ensure a creamy sauce, firmly squeeze all excess water from the wilted spinach. For a healthier option, consider reducing butter or using half-and-half. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat canned coconut milk or plant-based cream and vegan butter. Pre-chopped frozen spinach can be used for quick meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 cup (110 g)
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: creamed spinach, steakhouse side, easy side dish, creamy, spinach, Parmesan, weeknight meal, family dinner