Imagine a dish so luxuriously creamy, so perfectly balanced, that it turns an ordinary weeknight meal into a gourmet experience. This Creamy Parmesan Mushroom and Spinach recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss, combining the earthy richness of golden mushrooms, the silky smoothness of heavy cream, and the vibrant freshness of spinach - all elevated by a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy side dish or light main course that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly clean the mushrooms by gently wiping with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt, then slice them uniformly into even, thin pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring the pan is evenly coated and sufficiently warm before adding ingredients.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the hot skillet, spreading them in a single layer to ensure proper browning and prevent steaming. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until mushrooms are golden brown and have released their moisture.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream, stirring gently to combine with the mushrooms and create a smooth sauce base.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese into the skillet, continuously stirring to help the cheese melt and integrate smoothly with the cream and mushrooms.
- Add fresh spinach and gently fold into the creamy mixture, allowing the leaves to wilt and become tender, which typically takes 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed for balanced flavor.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with additional parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness and visual appeal.
Tips
- Choose the right mushrooms: Use fresh, firm mushrooms like cremini or white button mushrooms for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't crowd the pan: When cooking mushrooms, ensure they're in a single layer to achieve that perfect golden-brown caramelization.
- Control your heat: Start with medium-high heat for mushrooms, then reduce to medium-low when adding cream to prevent burning.
- Fresh is best: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the most authentic and rich flavor.
- Timing is key: Add spinach last and cook just until wilted to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Season gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper incrementally to achieve the perfect balance.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking, to maintain its creamy consistency and fresh flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
