Sautéed Spinach

Name: Sautéed Spinach
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Spinach 2.2 lbs; Extra virgin olive oil 3.7 tbsp; Garlic 2 cloves; Fine salt to taste

it fr es br de

193

Calories per serving

Gluten Free
Lactose Free
Vegetarian
Vegan

Energy Kcal 193
Carbohydrates g 7.6
of which sugars g 1.1
Protein g 8.5
Fats g 14.2
of which saturated fat g 2.39
Fiber g 4.8
Sodium mg 741

Difficulty: Very easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Very low

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Luisa Orizio

Sautéed spinach is one of those classic dishes you'll find at almost any Italian dinner table. Honestly, it's easy to see why. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, sautéed spinach brings out the best in those tender green leaves—offering a taste that's earthy and a bit sweet. In Italy, cooks often start with a little garlic in olive oil, letting it get golden and fragrant before adding the spinach. Really, it’s a simple but super healthy spinach side dish. Perfect with chicken, fish, or even pasta.

Some families up in northern regions like Lombardy or Veneto enjoy adding extras—like pine nuts and raisins—which give the greens a little sweet and tangy kick. Others might finish the easy sautéed spinach recipe with grated cheese or a drizzle of béchamel. Makes it richer, creamier. Really, really good. But no matter how you change it up, this dish is about making the most of what's fresh and on hand.

During hectic weeks, it is pretty common in Italy to use this quick spinach sauté as a base for other dishes, too. Sometimes, the moist and tender greens get mixed right into fresh pasta, tucked into a soft frittata, or even layered into vegetarian cutlets. That’s just Italian cooking wisdom—using simple, good ingredients and not letting anything go to waste. And the sauce? The naturally slightly bitter taste of spinach plays really well with these extra flavors, whether you’re adding a bit of onion, some cheese, or a handful of nuts.

You'll notice how the spinach turns wilted but still keeps a little bite, soaking up everything around it. With garlic sautéed spinach, you get something that's not only tasty but also super fast to make. And fits right into a weeknight dinner or a bigger holiday spread. Try it with different toppings or mix-ins—this spinach side dish always has room for a little experimenting, and that’s what makes it a staple in so many Italian kitchens. It's a dish that adapts easily—showing the best of Italian culinary simplicity and versatility. For sure.

How to prepare Sautéed Spinach

To prepare sautéed spinach, first wash the spinach leaves 1. Remove the tougher part of the spinach stalk 2 3.

Peel the garlic cloves, cut them in half and remove the inner core 4. Pour the extra virgin olive oil into a large pan together with the garlic cloves and heat over moderate heat 5. Now add the washed spinach 6.

Add them all to the pan even if they seem very bulky 7; they will wilt quickly. Cover with the lid and cook for 5 minutes on high heat. Remove the lid, season with salt and pepper, and stir with a spatula 8. Continue cooking over medium heat for another 10 minutes until the sautéed spinach is cooked 9.