This One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms is a creamy, comforting dish that comes together quickly and effortlessly. Packed with earthy mushrooms, tender spinach, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce, this pasta is a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal. With just one pot, youโll have fewer dishes to clean and more time to savor the deliciousness.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Easy Cleanup:ย Everything cooks in a single pot, reducing cleanup time.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor:ย The Parmesan and garlic sauce is irresistibly rich and comforting.
- Vegetarian-Friendly:ย A satisfying meatless meal thatโs still hearty and delicious.
- Customizable:ย Easily tweak the recipe with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Quick and Convenient:ย Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work well)
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Fresh spinach
- Vegetable broth
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Sautรฉ the Vegetables:ย Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are tender.
- Add Liquid and Pasta:ย Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then add the pasta, ensuring itโs submerged in the liquid.
- Cook the Pasta:ย Reduce heat to a simmer and cook the pasta until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Spinach:ย Add the fresh spinach to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir until wilted.
- Finish with Parmesan:ย Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:ย Dish up the pasta immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 4
- Prep Time:ย 10 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 20 minutes
- Total Time:ย 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein:ย Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for a heartier meal.
- Gluten-Free:ย Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-Free:ย Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
- Veggie Boost:ย Toss in cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:ย Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauceโs consistency. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
How can I prevent the pasta from sticking while cooking?
Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks, especially during the first few minutes, to keep it from sticking together.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Thaw and drain it before adding it to the pot.
Whatโs the best type of pasta for this dish?
Long pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine works best, but short pasta like penne or farfalle can also be used.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
While milk can be used, it wonโt yield the same creamy texture as heavy cream. You might need to thicken the sauce with a bit of flour or cornstarch.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, use plant-based milk, vegan Parmesan, and olive oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly version.
What mushrooms work best for this recipe?
Button mushrooms, cremini, or baby Bella mushrooms are excellent choices.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Cook the sauce over medium heat and avoid boiling the cream to keep it smooth and silky.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it ahead and reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer, or stir in a small amount of grated Parmesan or a cornstarch slurry.
Can I freeze leftovers?
This dish isnโt ideal for freezing due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing.
Conclusion
One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms is a quick and comforting dish thatโs perfect for any occasion. Its rich, creamy sauce and wholesome ingredients make it a family favorite, while the one-pot preparation keeps things stress-free. Whether youโre serving it as-is or customizing it with your favorite add-ins, this recipe is sure to please. Give it a try and enjoy the simplicity and flavor of this delectable pasta dish!
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One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This one-pot pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner, featuring tender mushrooms and fresh spinach enveloped in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Itโs quick to prepare and requires minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 14 oz (400g) farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 3โ4 cloves garlic, minced
- 14 oz (400g) mushrooms, sliced
- 10 oz (300g) fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup (125ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:ย Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sautรฉ Onions:ย In the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sautรฉ for 2-3 minutes until translucent and slightly browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Cook Mushrooms:ย Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the sliced mushrooms and sautรฉ for about 3 minutes until browned. Remove mushrooms and set aside with the onions.
- Wilt Spinach:ย In the same pot, add the fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Remove spinach and set aside, draining any excess liquid.
- Prepare Sauce:ย Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Sautรฉ the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze the pot with the vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy whipping cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red chili pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2 minutes, stirring until the sauce is well combined and slightly thickened.
- Combine Ingredients:ย Return the sautรฉed onions, mushrooms, and wilted spinach to the pot. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:ย Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red chili pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy whipping cream with half-and-half.
- Feel free to use your preferred type of pasta; penne or rotini work well too.
- To add protein, consider incorporating cooked chicken or shrimp.
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