The Solution to Canned Spinach
Transform your kitchen’s least exciting pantry staple into a luscious, irresistible side dish with "The Solution to Canned Spinach." This recipe takes humble canned spinach and elevates it with a velvety, garlic-infused cream sauce made with butter, milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Aromatic notes of sautéed onion, a pinch of nutmeg, and a hint of lemon zest provide layers of depth and brightness, while fresh parsley gives it a pop of color and freshness. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing accompaniment to roasted meats or baked fish. Never look at canned spinach the same way again!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups (drained and packed) canned spinach
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 0.75 cup milk
- 2 ounces (softened) cream cheese
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Drain the canned spinach thoroughly, squeezing out as much liquid as possible using your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the flour and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Allow the mixture to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until it thickens.
Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and combined with the milk mixture.
Add the drained spinach to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy sauce.
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon zest and chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the creamy spinach warm as a flavorful side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
752 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.0 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.1 g | 160% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 156 mg | 52% | |
| Sodium | 2466 mg | 107% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 43.7 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.5 g | ||
| Protein | 33.9 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 1195 mg | 92% | |
| Iron | 13.9 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 2744 mg | 58% | |
*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.
