Skip to main content

Parmesan-Lemon Spinach

A light cream sauce enhanced with Parmesan cheese coats fresh spinach in this side dish. Try it with pork chops, fish fillets, or turkey cutlets.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 4; 1/2 cup per serving

Ingredients

1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half
2 tablespoons shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 medium shallots, finely chopped
1/4 cup Chicken Broth (page 50) or commercial fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt-free all-purpose seasoning blend
1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
8 ounces spinach (about 8 cups)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, Parmesan, and flour until smooth. Set aside.

    Step 2

    In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the shallots for 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.

    Step 3

    Stir in the broth, lemon zest, seasoning blend, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute, or until the mixture is heated through, stirring occasionally.

    Step 4

    Add the spinach, tossing with two spoons to lightly coat with the broth mixture. Bring to a simmer, covered, over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the spinach is slightly wilted, stirring occasionally. Increase the heat to medium-high. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the spinach is completely wilted and tender, stirring occasionally.

    Step 5

    Stir the reserved half-and-half mixture into the spinach mixture. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally.

  2. Nutrition information

    Step 6

    (Per serving)

    Step 7

    Calories: 71

    Step 8

    Total fat: 2.0g

    Step 9

    Saturated: 0.5g

    Step 10

    Trans: 0.0g

    Step 11

    Polyunsaturated: 0.0g

    Step 12

    Monounsaturated: 1.0g

    Step 13

    Cholesterol: 2mg

    Step 14

    Sodium: 120mg

    Step 15

    Carbohydrates: 10g

    Step 16

    Fiber: 2g

    Step 17

    Sugars: 3g

    Step 18

    Protein: 5g

    Step 19

    Calcium: 133mg

    Step 20

    Potassium: 356mg

  3. Dietary Exchanges

    Step 21

    1/2 starch

    Step 22

    1/2 fat

American Heart Association Low-Salt Cookbook, 4th Edition
Read More
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
Juicy peak-season tomatoes make the perfect plant-based swap for aguachile.
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
This no-knead knockout gets its punch from tomatoes in two different ways.
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
Roasted poblanos, jalapeños, and red onion are coated with a melty sauce—warm with the flavors of pepper jack, and stabilized with a block of cream cheese.
A garlicky pistachio topping takes this sunny summer pasta from good to great.
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.