Garlic Butter Sautéed Spinach

Sometimes the simplest dishes are the best, and Garlic Butter Sautéed Spinach is one of those recipes that proves it. This quick and easy side dish is bursting with flavor from rich garlic and creamy butter, making it the perfect accompaniment to nearly any main course. Whether you’re serving it alongside roast chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty steak, this spinach dish elevates any meal with its vibrant green color and savory taste.

What makes this recipe such a standout is how quickly it comes together. With just a few ingredients and about 10 minutes of cooking time, you can have a healthy and delicious side that everyone will love. Spinach is packed with nutrients like iron, vitamin K, and fiber, but the buttery garlic flavor makes it feel like a treat rather than just another healthy side.

I first started making this dish as an easy, last-minute side when I needed something quick to round out dinner. My family loved it so much that it’s now a regular feature in our weekly meal rotation. It’s become one of those recipes that I can throw together even on the busiest weeknights, and it always feels like a win because it’s both nutritious and tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a simple side to complement a more complex main dish.
• Nutrient-Packed: Spinach is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, providing a healthy dose of iron, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of garlic and butter adds richness and depth to the spinach, transforming it into a savory side that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile: This dish pairs well with just about anything—from grilled meats to pasta dishes, and even as a topping for your favorite grain bowls or stuffed into wraps.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this buttery, garlicky version of spinach. It’s a great way to introduce more greens into your meals.

Garlic butter sautéed spinach has quickly become one of my go-to side dishes. Not only is it simple and fast, but it also makes you feel like you’re eating something a bit indulgent, even though it’s loaded with nutrients. Plus, it’s a great recipe to customize depending on what you have on hand—add some grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or even toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: 110
• Protein: 3g, Carbs: 5g, Fats: 9g

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh spinach (about 10-12 cups)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for extra richness)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Fresh lemon juice (optional, for a burst of brightness)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Sautéed Spinach

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

• Wash the spinach: Even if you buy pre-washed spinach, it’s a good idea to give it an extra rinse to remove any residual dirt or sand. Place the spinach in a colander and rinse under cold water. Shake off excess water, but don’t worry about drying it completely—a little water will help steam the spinach as it cooks.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

• Melt the butter: In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. For extra richness, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan along with the butter. The olive oil helps prevent the butter from browning too quickly and adds another layer of flavor.
• Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The goal is to soften the garlic and release its aromatic flavor, not to brown it, so keep an eye on it and adjust the heat if necessary.

Step 3: Add the Spinach

• Add the spinach in batches: Since fresh spinach wilts down significantly, you’ll likely need to add it in batches. Start by adding about half of the spinach to the pan. Use tongs to toss the spinach in the garlic butter, making sure all the leaves are coated. As the spinach wilts (which happens quickly), you can add the remaining spinach to the pan.
• Cook until wilted: Continue to sauté the spinach for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until all the spinach is wilted and tender. The spinach should be bright green and soft, but not mushy. If you prefer your spinach with a little more texture, remove it from the heat as soon as it wilts.

Step 4: Season the Spinach

• Season with salt and pepper: Once the spinach is wilted, season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Add lemon juice: For a bright, fresh finish, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the spinach just before serving. The acidity from the lemon balances out the richness of the butter and garlic, giving the dish a nice contrast.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve immediately: Garlic butter sautéed spinach is best served right away, while it’s still warm and tender. Transfer it to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. You can also top it with toasted pine nuts or almonds for added crunch.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Sautéed Spinach

This versatile side dish can be served alongside a variety of mains. Here are some pairing ideas:

• With Grilled Chicken: The richness of the garlic butter spinach complements the smoky flavors of grilled chicken or any roasted poultry.
• Next to a Juicy Steak: This spinach dish is a classic pairing with steak, offering a lighter, more nutrient-packed contrast to the richness of beef.
• With Pasta: Stir the sautéed spinach into your favorite pasta for a quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight meal. Add some sun-dried tomatoes, chicken, or shrimp for extra protein.
• Topped on Grains: Serve this spinach over quinoa, farro, or brown rice for a nutritious grain bowl. Add some roasted vegetables and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a complete meal.
• For Breakfast: Try serving this spinach with scrambled eggs, poached eggs, or in an omelet for a healthy, flavorful start to your day.

Garlic butter sautéed spinach is a side that can go with just about anything. The garlic and butter add such a savory richness that even simple dishes feel more elevated with this spinach on the plate.

Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Sautéed Spinach

1. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Since spinach wilts quickly, it’s best to add it in batches to the pan. This prevents the spinach from steaming too much and allows it to cook evenly in the garlic butter.
2. Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal for this recipe. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before cooking.
3. Adjust the garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more! However, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the garlic to 2-3 cloves instead of 4.
4. Cook quickly: Spinach cooks very fast, so keep an eye on it. You want it wilted and tender, but not overcooked. Overcooked spinach can become mushy and lose its vibrant green color.
5. Add other flavors: While garlic and butter are the stars of the show here, you can easily customize this dish. Try adding a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor, or toss in some toasted nuts for added texture.

Recipe Variations

• Creamy Spinach: For a richer version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese once the spinach is wilted. This creates a creamy spinach dish that’s perfect for serving alongside roast chicken or turkey.
• Lemon Garlic Spinach: Amp up the lemon flavor by adding both the juice and zest of a lemon to the spinach. This gives the dish a bright, tangy flavor that pairs well with seafood.
• Spicy Garlic Spinach: If you love a little heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped fresh chili to the garlic butter. This gives the spinach a spicy kick that’s perfect for serving with grilled meats or tacos.
• Parmesan Spinach: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese over the spinach just before serving. The salty, nutty flavor of the cheese adds an extra layer of richness.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover garlic butter spinach can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
• Freezing: While fresh spinach can be frozen, it may lose some of its texture and vibrant color when reheated. If you plan to freeze this dish, do so before adding the butter and garlic. Thaw and sauté with butter and garlic when ready to serve.
• Reheating: To reheat garlic butter spinach, place it in a skillet over medium heat and warm through, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving, as this can cause the spinach to become too watery.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet: A large skillet or sauté pan is essential for cooking the spinach evenly without overcrowding the pan.
• Tongs: Using tongs makes it easier to toss and sauté the spinach as it cooks, ensuring all the leaves are evenly coated in garlic butter.

FAQ

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before sautéing to avoid excess moisture.

How do I prevent the spinach from becoming soggy?

The key to preventing soggy spinach is to sauté it quickly over medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Adding the spinach in batches allows it to cook evenly without steaming.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can sauté onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the garlic for added flavor and texture. Just cook the additional vegetables before adding the spinach to the pan.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Sautéed Spinach is one of those simple yet incredibly flavorful side dishes that can elevate any meal. The buttery garlic sauce coats each leaf of spinach perfectly, creating a rich and savory dish that’s packed with nutrients. Whether you’re serving it with steak, chicken, pasta, or even as part of a breakfast spread, this spinach dish will become a go-to in your kitchen.

What’s great about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can add cheese, nuts, or extra spices to make it your own, or keep it simple with just garlic, butter, and spinach. Either way, it’s a delicious, healthy side that you’ll find yourself making again and again.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media—I love seeing how you make this dish your own! Happy cooking!

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