Creamy Parmesan Spinach, Mushrooms, and Caramelized Onions Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and caramelized onions dish combines rich, savory flavors with a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a perfect side or a hearty vegetarian main that’s simple to prepare and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for onions)
• 3 large yellow onions, sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for onions)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for mushrooms and spinach)
• 10 oz mushrooms, sliced (button mushrooms recommended)
• 6 oz fresh spinach
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for sauce)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and cook on high, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes until they start to brown but not burn.
2. Step 2: Lower heat to medium and continue cooking onions for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the onions.
3. Step 3: Cook onions on medium to low heat for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Total cooking time for onions is about 30 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat, add a small amount of balsamic vinegar to the onions, and stir to scrape up any browned bits. Transfer caramelized onions to a plate and set aside.
5. Step 5: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until mushrooms soften.
6. Step 6: Add fresh spinach to the skillet and stir on low heat just until the spinach wilts.
7. Step 7: Pour in half-and-half and bring to a quick boil. Immediately reduce heat to simmer.
8. Step 8: Stir in 2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Keep stirring until cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
9. Step 9: Add the caramelized onions back into the skillet and stir to combine with the creamy sauce.
10. Step 10: Adjust sauce consistency if needed by adding more half-and-half to thin or additional Parmesan to thicken, stirring while simmering until desired texture is reached.

Tips & Variations

• Use baby spinach if you prefer a more tender texture and less cooking time.
• Substitute cremini mushrooms for a deeper, earthier flavor.
• Add crushed garlic with the mushrooms for an extra boost of aroma.
• For a vegan option, replace half-and-half with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
• Serve over pasta, rice, or alongside grilled proteins for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little half-and-half or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain frozen spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

How do I prevent onions from burning while caramelizing?

Keep the heat moderate and stir frequently. If onions start to stick, add a splash of water or reduce the heat slightly.

Creamy Parmesan Spinach, Mushrooms, and Caramelized Onions Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 57 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and flavorful sautéed dish combining caramelized onions, tender mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect as a side or a vegetarian main, this recipe balances sweetness, earthiness, and creaminess with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramelized Onions

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 large yellow onions, sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (divided)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Mushrooms and Spinach

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 10 oz button mushrooms, sliced
• 6 oz fresh spinach
• Pinch of salt

Creamy Sauce

• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (divided: 2/3 cup + additional as needed)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Caramelize Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes until they begin to brown without burning.
2. Continue Cooking Onions: Reduce the heat to medium and keep cooking the onions for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently, and then add a pinch of salt. Continue to cook on medium or low heat, stirring occasionally, for an additional 10 minutes to deepen the caramelization without burning. Total cooking time for onions should be about 30 minutes.
3. Deglaze with Balsamic Vinegar: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the onions with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, and stir with a spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the pan. Set the caramelized onions aside on a plate.
4. Cook Mushrooms: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms with a pinch of salt and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and cooked through.
5. Add Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the mushrooms, stirring gently on low heat until the spinach wilts.
6. Create Creamy Sauce: Pour in the half-and-half and bring the mixture to a quick boil. Immediately reduce heat to simmer.
7. Add Cheese and Season: Stir in 2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Keep stirring while the sauce simmers until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Combine Ingredients: Add the reserved caramelized onions back into the skillet, stirring them into the creamy mushroom and spinach sauce.
9. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little more half-and-half. If it is too thin, add more Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring and simmer until the desired consistency is reached.

Notes

• Be patient when caramelizing onions to develop deep flavor without burning.
• Use fresh spinach for best results; frozen spinach will add too much moisture.
• Adjust salt to taste after combining all ingredients.
• This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
• For a vegan version, substitute half-and-half and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: sauteed spinach, caramelized onions, mushrooms, creamy sauce, vegetarian side dish