Lunch Ladies Creamy Italian Spinach
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of Lunch Ladies Creamy Italian Spinach, a restaurant-quality side dish that's both comforting and elegant. This recipe combines tender fresh spinach with a luxurious cream sauce, made from a blend of whole milk, heavy cream, and a duo of cheeses—Parmesan and mozzarella—for an irresistibly smooth texture and bold flavor. Infused with fragrant minced garlic and Italian seasoning, every bite is layered with savory, herby notes. A hint of optional nutmeg adds a subtle warmth, making this dish the perfect pairing for roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as a satisfying pasta topping. Ready in just 30 minutes, this decadent and cheesy spinach is both a crowd-pleaser and a time-saver, ideal for family dinners or special occasions. Search no further for your next creamy, comforting side dish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 ounces fresh spinach
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.125 teaspoons nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the spinach thoroughly under cold water and pat dry. Set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and garlic, whisking continuously to form a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to combine with the roux. Follow with the heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.
Add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses to the sauce, stirring until melted and fully incorporated.
Fold the fresh spinach into the skillet, a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt before adding more. Continue this process until all the spinach is incorporated and fully coated in the creamy sauce.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is tender and the sauce is evenly distributed.
Remove the skillet from the heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting with more salt or pepper if necessary.
Serve warm as a side dish or over pasta for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1300 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 98.6 g | 126% | |
| Saturated Fat | 58.1 g | 290% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 303 mg | 101% | |
| Sodium | 2605 mg | 113% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.1 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.2 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.0 g | ||
| Protein | 41.9 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.2 mcg | 21% | |
| Calcium | 1358 mg | 104% | |
| Iron | 16.5 mg | 92% | |
| Potassium | 615 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
