Are you looking to elevate your everyday meals with a touch of sophistication and incredible flavor? Look no further! This creamy Florentine sauce is incredibly easy to make, yet it packs a punch of deliciousness that will impress your family and friends. It's the perfect addition to pasta, chicken, fish, or even vegetables, transforming a simple dish into a culinary masterpiece. Ready to discover the secret to this simple yet impressive sauce? Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for added warmth)
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Don't let the garlic brown.
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Incorporate Spinach: Add the thawed and squeezed spinach to the saucepan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
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Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Continue to simmer for another minute, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve your delicious Florentine sauce immediately over your favorite pasta, chicken, fish, or vegetables.
Cooking Tips for the Best Florentine Sauce:
- Squeeze out Excess Water: Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out all the excess water from the thawed spinach. This will prevent your sauce from becoming watery.
- Don't Overcook the Spinach: Overcooked spinach can become mushy. Cook it just until it's heated through.
- Low and Slow: Simmering the sauce on low heat allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and prevents the cream from separating.
- Fresh Herbs are Best: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor and aroma to the sauce. If fresh basil isn't available, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
Variations:
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy twist.
- Spicy Florentine: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Creamy Florentine with Ricotta: Stir in ½ cup of ricotta cheese along with the Parmesan for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Lemon Florentine: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, zesty flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 20-25g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 5-7g
This easy Florentine sauce recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It's a delicious and versatile sauce that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy creating this simple yet elegant dish!