Description
This sautéed garlic spinach and mushrooms recipe is a quick and flavorful side dish featuring tender cremini mushrooms and fresh spinach cooked in olive oil and butter, infused with garlic and finished with Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a healthy addition to any meal, it combines simple ingredients for a rich, savory taste with a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 8 ounces fresh spinach, rinsed and dried
Seasonings and Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves and slice the cremini mushrooms if they are not pre-sliced. Rinse the fresh spinach under cold water thoroughly and dry it completely to avoid excess moisture during cooking.
- Heat Fat: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of salted butter over medium-high heat until the butter melts and starts to sizzle gently.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, just until it softens and becomes fragrant but does not brown to avoid bitterness.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet, spreading them out evenly in a single layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes so they develop a golden brown sear on one side.
- Finish Mushroom Browning: Stir the mushrooms gently and continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms are browned all over and have released their moisture.
- Add Remaining Butter and Spinach: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet, letting it melt. Then gradually add the spinach in batches, stirring continuously to wilt each addition before adding more. This helps maintain even cooking and prevents overcrowding.
- Combine and Finish: Once all the spinach is wilted and tender, remove the skillet from heat. Immediately stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to incorporate its creamy, salty flavor into the vegetables.
- Serve: Serve the sautéed garlic spinach and mushrooms immediately while hot. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness; just soften it until fragrant.
- Dry the spinach leaves thoroughly to prevent excess water from diluting the flavors and steaming rather than sautéing the greens.
- For a vegan alternative, omit the butter and Parmesan or substitute with plant-based options.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, pasta, or as a healthy side to any main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: sautéed spinach, garlic spinach, mushrooms recipe, healthy side dish, easy vegetable recipe, cremini mushrooms, Parmesan spinach
