Description
This creamy Florentine sauce combines tender spinach, savory garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a luscious, smooth cream base. Perfect for drizzling over pasta, chicken, or vegetables, this sauce offers a rich, comforting flavor with a hint of Italian seasoning and optional heat from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Thickening and Cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Cheese and Greens
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste, ensuring a smooth base for the sauce.
- Incorporate Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and completely incorporated, adding creamy richness to the sauce.
- Add Spinach: Toss in the chopped fresh spinach and stir until the spinach is wilted and evenly distributed, about 2 minutes.
- Season and Spice: Stir in the Italian seasoning, then season with salt, pepper, and optionally a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Simmer to Thicken: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your desired consistency.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor; frozen spinach will add excess moisture.
- This sauce pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust the thickness by simmering longer for a thicker sauce or adding a splash more cream for a thinner consistency.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat that balances the creaminess.
