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Spinach, Pancetta and Cream Sauce

Spinach, Pancetta and Cream Sauce

  • Makes
    2½ Cups
  • Cook Time
    25 minutes
  • Rating

Spinach with pancetta and cream is a luxurious topping for polenta, as well as a delicious way to work a vegetable into your meal. We let the microwave do half of the work—it wilts the leaves in just a few minutes and with little effort. If you like, use bacon instead of pancetta.

Ingredients
  • 1

    pound baby spinach

  • 3

    ounces pancetta (chopped)

  • 1

    medium shallot (halved and thinly sliced)

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 1

    cup heavy cream

  • teaspoon grated nutmeg

  • 1

    ounce finely grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup)

  • 1

    tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

Put 1 pound baby spinach in a large microwave-safe bowl, cover and microwave on high until almost fully wilted, 2 to 4 minutes, stirring once. Uncover and set aside until cool enough to handle. Using your hands, squeeze the spinach dry, then roughly chop; set aside. In a large saucepan over medium, cook 3 ounces pancetta (chopped), stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. Add 1 medium shallot (halved and thinly sliced), 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper to the fat in the pan, then cook over medium, stirring occasionally, until the shallot is light golden brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and ⅛ teaspoon grated nutmeg. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until thickened enough that a spatula drawn through it leaves a brief trail, 4 to 6 minutes. Off heat, stir in 1 ounce finely grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup), 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest, the spinach and pancetta. Taste, then season with salt and pepper.