A Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a rich, velvety sauce with the perfect balance of creamy and savory flavors, enhanced by the earthy taste of spinach. It’s the perfect addition to pasta, chicken, or even as a topping for veggies! Here’s how to make it:
Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (baby spinach works great)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions:
- Sauté the garlic:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Make the base of the sauce:
- Add the heavy cream and milk to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, but don’t let it boil. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Once the sauce begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low.
- Add the cheese:
- Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until it melts into the sauce and the sauce thickens. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- If you want an extra creamy sauce, add the mozzarella cheese at this stage and stir until melted.
- Season the sauce:
- Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a pinch of garlic powder for an extra flavor boost too!
- Add spinach:
- Stir in the fresh spinach, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
- Combine and serve:
- Once the spinach is wilted and the sauce is creamy, remove the pan from the heat.
- Pour the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce over your favorite pasta (like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti), chicken, or even roasted vegetables.
- Garnish (optional):
- Top with extra grated Parmesan, black pepper, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat!
Tips:
- Add protein: This sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even bacon bits. You can add these in after the spinach wilts for a more substantial meal.
- Make it lighter: If you want a lighter version, you can use milk instead of cream and reduce the amount of cheese. You’ll still get a creamy texture but with less richness.
- Make it extra cheesy: If you love cheesy Alfredo, adding a bit more mozzarella or even some ricotta cheese will make it even creamier and thicker.
This Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce is indulgent, delicious, and super easy to make. Perfect for any pasta dish or even as a creamy topping for baked chicken! Enjoy!