Description
Creamy Florentine Sauce is a rich and velvety Italian-inspired sauce made with butter, garlic, shallots, creamy dairy, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Perfect for enhancing pasta, chicken, seafood, or stuffed shells, this sauce offers a deliciously smooth texture and the vibrant flavor of wilted spinach.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Aromatics: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- Create the Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute, constantly stirring to combine and form a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy and Thicken Sauce: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it completely melts, contributing a creamy texture and rich flavor to the sauce.
- Add Spinach and Seasonings: Mix in the chopped fresh spinach, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce reaches a creamy, rich consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the sauce immediately over your favorite pasta, chicken, seafood, or stuffed shells.
Notes
- This sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, chicken, seafood, or stuffed shells.
- For a lighter version, substitute milk for the cream or use half-and-half.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Ensure to stir constantly when adding milk and cream to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
