Ruth’s Chris–Style Seafood Spinach Rockefeller

If you’ve ever dined at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, you know their side dishes are just as unforgettable as their steaks. One standout favourite is the rich, creamy, and indulgent Seafood Spinach Rockefeller—a luxurious upgrade of the classic spinach Rockefeller, loaded with tender seafood and baked to golden perfection.

This copycat recipe brings that restaurant-quality experience straight to your kitchen. It’s perfect for special dinners, holidays, or anytime you want to impress guests with minimal effort and maximum flavour.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

For the Spinach Base:

2 tbsp butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup whole milk

½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

½ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp nutmeg (optional but recommended)

1 lb fresh spinach (or 2 cups frozen, well-drained)

For the Seafood:

½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, chopped

½ lb scallops, chopped (or crab meat as substitute)

1 tbsp butter

½ tsp paprika

Salt & pepper to taste

For Topping:

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup breadcrumbs

1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spinach

If using fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan until wilted, then drain excess moisture and chop. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible—this step is crucial to avoid a watery dish.

2. Make the Creamy Base

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and milk, ensuring no lumps form. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.

Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add spinach and mix until evenly coated. Remove from heat.

3. Cook the Seafood

In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and scallops, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes until just opaque. Do not overcook—they will finish cooking in the oven.

Gently fold the seafood into the creamy spinach mixture.

4. Assemble the Dish

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish or individual ramekins. Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella evenly over the top. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter over the cheese layer.

5. Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

Drain the spinach thoroughly: excess water will ruin the creamy consistency.

Don’t overcook seafood: Slightly undercook before baking to keep it tender.

Use fresh Parmesan: it melts better and adds a richer flavour than pre-packaged.

Add a splash of white wine: For a more upscale flavour, deglaze the pan before adding cream.

Broil for extra crust: Turn on broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end for a crisp top.

Variations

Crab Rockefeller: Replace shrimp and scallops with lump crab meat for a sweeter, delicate taste.

Lobster Upgrade: Add small chunks of lobster for a luxurious version.

Spicy Kick: Add red chilli flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Low-Carb Version: Skip breadcrumbs and use extra cheese topping.

Vegetarian Option: Omit seafood and add mushrooms or artichokes for depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Q2: Can I freeze it?
It’s not ideal because cream-based sauces can separate, but you can freeze it if necessary. Reheat gently.

Q3: What can I serve with it?
It pairs beautifully with steak, grilled chicken, or even as a standalone dish with crusty bread.

Q4: Can I use only one type of seafood?
Absolutely. Shrimp alone works great, or even just scallops or crab.

Q5: Why is my dish watery?
Most likely due to spinach not being drained properly or overcooked seafood releasing moisture.

Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

Calories: 320–380 kcal

Protein: 18–22 g

Fat: 24–28 g

Carbohydrates: 8–12 g

Fiber: 2–3 g

(Nutrition varies depending on seafood choice and portion size.)

Conclusion

This Ruth’s Chris–inspired Seafood Spinach Rockefeller is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy comfort and elegant seafood flavour. It transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels restaurant-worthy yet is easy enough for home cooks. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself, this recipe delivers richness, texture, and indulgence in every bite.

Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a steakhouse favourite—and you might never go back to plain spinach again.