Savor the Indulgent Spinach and Asiago Cheese Wine Sauce
Greetings wine and food enthusiasts! Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a new recipe? Today, I have an exquisite and mouthwatering recipe for Spinach & Asiago Cheese Wine Sauce over Rice that will surely leave you wanting more.
If you’re a fan of creamy sauces and rich flavors, then this recipe is definitely for you. It combines the delicious freshness of spinach and the sharpness of Asiago cheese, all cooked to pure perfection. And top that off with a splash of white wine that richly complements the cream sauce in the mix – it’s an absolute delight.
This Spinach & Asiago Cheese Wine Sauce over Rice recipe is so versatile that it can be paired with any dish – from chicken breasts to risotto, gnocchi or even shrimp. It’s a crowd pleaser that’s sure to wow your guests whether served as an appetizer or as part of your main course.
With its combination of seasoned spices and fresh ingredients blended to create a savory dish, this recipe is a great option for those looking for a meal that’s both healthy and hearty. Cooking is all about experimenting with new ingredients, and this recipe takes flavors that commonly go together and blends them into an irresistible dish.
Don’t wait any longer; grab a chilled glass of white wine, prepare some rice and let us get cooking! I promise that this Spinach & Asiago Cheese Wine Sauce over Rice recipe will soon become your “go-to” cuisine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old rice dishes? Look no further than this Spinach & Asiago Cheese Wine Sauce over Rice Recipe. This creamy and savory dish is sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation. Here’s why you’ll love it:
First of all, the sauce is incredibly flavorful. It’s made with white wine, asiago cheese, and frozen chopped spinach, created into a cream sauce that will leave your taste buds craving more. The combination of these ingredients creates a unique taste that is both rich and tangy.
Not only is the sauce delicious, but it’s also easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a gourmet-quality sauce ready to pour over cooked white rice. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try substituting other grains such as quinoa or couscous for an even heartier meal.
Plus, this recipe can be customized to your liking. Don’t have asiago cheese on hand? Substitute with parmesan or another hard cheese. Want to add some protein? Try topping the rice with grilled chicken or shrimp.
Overall, this Spinach & Asiago Cheese Wine Sauce over Rice Recipe is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional rice dishes that is sure to impress at any meal.
Ingredient List
To make this Spinach & Asiago Cheese Wine Sauce over Rice Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Frozen chopped spinach
- Margarine
- All-purpose white flour
- Salt
- White pepper
- Ground cayenne pepper
- Brown sugar
- White wine
- Milk
- Asiago cheese
- Cooked white rice
The combination of rich Asiago cheese and tangy white wine is a hallmark of this dish, giving it depth and complexity. The spinach adds a healthy dose of green that blends well with the cheesy sauce, while the rice serves as a hearty and satisfying base for all the flavors to come together.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Cook Rice
Cook the white rice according to package instructions. I use about 2 cups of rice for this recipe, which goes well with the amount of sauce this recipe yields.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
In a separate skillet, cook the chicken. Heat a couple tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
Step 3: Make Sauce
Melt 1/4 cup of margarine in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add 1/4 cup of all-purpose white flour, stirring constantly until well combined. Then slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, 1/4 cup of white wine, and 1/4 teaspoon each of ground cayenne pepper, white pepper, and brown sugar.
Add a drained box of 10oz frozen chopped spinach and stir until well combined. Then, slowly whisk in 1 cup grated/ shredded asiago cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Serve the cooked rice on two to four plates or bowls. Slice the cooked chicken breasts and layer them on top of the rice. Spoon over the spinach asiago wine sauce over the top, making sure to get some spinach leaves and grated asiago cheese into each serving.
Garnish each bowl or plate with some whole pecans or walnuts for crunch if desired!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this spinach and asiago wine sauce recipe is that it’s versatile and customizable. Don’t have spinach? That’s okay, swap it out for some kale or arugula! Want to make it extra indulgent? Add some bacon bits on top of your dish. Here are a few more substitutions and variations to give you inspiration:
– Cheese: If you can’t find asiago cheese, parmesan cheese works just as well. You can even mix them together for a unique flavor.
– Wine: Don’t have white wine? Use a dry red wine instead. Or, if you don’t want to use alcohol at all, substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth.
– Protein: This sauce is delicious served over cooked chicken breasts, but feel free to experiment with other proteins such as shrimp or even braised beef tortelloni.
– Pasta: Replace the rice with your favorite pasta such as fusilli or fettuccine. For a Cajun twist, toss in some chicken sausage and serve it over penne pasta.
– Vegan: Make this recipe vegan by using margarine instead of butter, almond or soy milk instead of regular milk, and vegan cheese instead of asiago cheese.
With so many substitutions and variations available, the possibilities are endless! Mix and match ingredients until you get the perfect sauce for your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
The Spinach & Asiago Cheese Wine Sauce over Rice is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served for lunch or dinner. This creamy, savory sauce pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, including fluffy white rice, fusilli pasta, or even braised beef tortelloni.
To make this dish even more decadent, try adding shrimp or earthy mushrooms like cremini or shiitake into the mix. The wine cream sauce creates a luscious base for these additions.
This recipe is also great for entertaining guests. For a crowd-pleasing meal, I recommend serving this spinach asiago sauce with chicken breasts filled with spinach asiago parmigiano. The filling complements the flavors of the sauce perfectly, creating a dynamic combination of textures and flavors in every bite.
To complete the meal, pair this rich dish with a light white wine such as a dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. The bright acidity of the wine cuts through the creaminess of the sauce and cleanses your palate between bites.
Overall, with these serving and pairing suggestions, you can elevate this tasty spinach asiago cream sauce to a memorable dining experience.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this spinach and asiago cheese wine sauce over rice recipe is that it can be made in advance and stored for later use or reheated when needed.
To make ahead, prepare the dish as directed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm up the dish on the stove or in the oven until heated through.
If you plan to store the sauce and rice separately, allow them both to cool before storing them in separate containers. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, while the rice can be stored for up to six days.
To reheat the rice, transfer it to a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Be sure to fluff the rice with a fork before serving. For reheating the sauce, heat it up on low heat on a stove over low heat while stirring occasionally until it is warm.
This dish is perfect for meal prepping ahead of time or for leftovers throughout the week.
Tips for Perfect Results
To create the perfect spinach and Asiago cheese wine sauce over rice, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips to ensure that this dish turns out perfectly every time.
1. Cook the Rice Separately
It’s important to cook the white rice separately and not add it directly to the sauce. Doing so would make the rice gummy and compromise the texture of the dish. Instead, cook the rice according to package instructions before spooning the sauce over it.
2. Don’t Overcook the Spinach
Frozen spinach can be a great time-saver and offers convenience for this dish, but it’s essential not to overcook it. Cook it for no more than five minutes in boiling water and then drain it to avoid sogginess.
3. Invest in Good Quality Wine
Since wine is a vital ingredient in this recipe, investing in good quality wine will elevate the flavour of your recipe. Avoid purchasing “cooking wine” from your local grocery store, as they are generally not of good quality, instead opt for dry white wine such as sauvignon blanc or chardonnay.
4. Use Fresh Cheese
Using fresh cheese is crucial in ensuring great flavour in this recipe. Remember to buy Asiago cheese that is freshly grated or sliced rather than bought pre-packaged.
5. Adjust Seasonings as Necessary
Following a recipe provides a great guide when cooking, but sometimes adjustment of seasonings is necessary according to your taste buds preferences. Taste your spinach and Asiago cheese wine sauce frequently while cooking and after, add salt or pepper or any seasonings according to your preferred taste.
By following these tips, you’ll have a delicious Spinach & Asiago Cheese Wine Sauce over Rice that
will impress all who take a bite.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Spinach & Asiago Cheese Wine Sauce over Rice recipe is a must-try for any foodie or wine-lover! The combination of flavors in this dish is simply amazing, and it can be adapted to suit any dietary preferences or restrictions. Whether you’re making this dish for a fancy dinner party or a cozy night in, it’s sure to impress.
If you’re looking to elevate this dish even further, consider pairing it with a nice white wine such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The flavors of the wine will complement the richness of the cheese and cream sauce perfectly.
Overall, this recipe is a great example of how wine can be incorporated into cooking to create delicious and complex flavors. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients or variations to make it your own. And remember, cooking with wine isn’t just reserved for special occasions – it can add a touch of sophistication and flavor to any meal!
Spinach & Asiago Cheese Wine Sauce over Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/3 cup margarine
- 1/3 cup all-purpose white flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or 1/2 teaspoon salt substitute
- 1 1/2 cups shredded asiago cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups whole pecans or 1 1/2 cups whole walnuts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or 1 teaspoon Splenda brown sugar blend
Instructions
- Place spinach in a colandar and push down to squeeze water from the spinach.
- Put the spinach in a wide microwavable bowl and use fork to loosen and spread out.
- Add white wine.
- Cover. Cook at 70% power for 7 minutes. Set aside covered.
- In large saucepan add margarine and white flour. Wisk to mix until margarine and flour mixed.
- Slowly add milk while wisking and add salt.
- Wisk until it starts to thicken. Turn off heat and cover.
- In small saute pan add olive oil, cayenne pepper. Stir to mix.
- Add nuts and sugar and stir.
- Take off heat when nuts are coated and hot.
- Put nuts on chopping board and chop.
- Put in a small serving bowl to pass separately.
- Heat the cooked rice.
- Add cheese to sauce and stir in on low heat until the shredded cheese is melted and stirred into sauce.
- Uncover spinach and drain.
- Add to cream sauce and stir.
- Add white pepper if desired.
- Place the sauce in a tureen with serving spoon and pour over individual servings of hot rice or toast.
- Pass the nuts to sprinkle on top.