This Spinach Mushroom Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. It combines tender pasta, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach in a creamy sauce, making it a delightful meal thatโs easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking for yourself, this recipe is a winner!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy:ย Ready in under 30 minutes, itโs perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Ingredients:ย Packed with spinach and mushrooms, itโs a great way to sneak in veggies.
- Versatile:ย Customize the flavors by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or proteins.
- Comforting:ย Creamy and satisfying without being overly heavy.
- Crowd-Pleaser:ย A vegetarian dish that even meat-lovers will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta of your choice (fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, etc.)
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Fresh spinach
- Heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:ย Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sautรฉ the Mushrooms:ย Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sautรฉ for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the mushrooms and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Spinach:ย Toss the spinach into the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce:ย Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Combine:ย Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:ย Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve warm.
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 added protein.
- Make it Vegan:ย Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a cashew-based cream, and use vegan Parmesan.
- Spicy Kick:ย Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Cheesy Delight:ย Mix in mozzarella or goat cheese for a creamier texture.
- Gluten-Free:ย Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:ย Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
How can I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Toss the cooked pasta with a bit of olive oil or butter after draining to prevent it from sticking.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and drain the frozen spinach thoroughly before adding it to the skillet.
Whatโs the best type of mushroom for this recipe?
Button mushrooms, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms work well. Use a mix for a more complex flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Itโs best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and combine it with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Can I substitute the cream?
Absolutely! Use half-and-half, coconut milk, or a non-dairy cream alternative.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
The creamy sauce may separate when frozen, so itโs not ideal for freezing.
How do I add more flavor to the sauce?
Incorporate herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley, or add a splash of white wine while cooking the mushrooms.
What pasta shape works best?
Long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti is classic, but shorter shapes like penne or rigatoni also work well.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Pre-grated Parmesan often contains additives that affect melting. Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for the best texture.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Allow the cream to simmer longer, or stir in a slurry made with a teaspoon of cornstarch and water.
Conclusion
Spinach Mushroom Pasta is a versatile, delicious dish thatโs easy to make and perfect for any meal. With its creamy sauce and nutrient-packed ingredients, itโs a crowd-pleaser that doesnโt compromise on flavor. Try it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your home!
PrintSpinach Mushroom Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Sautรฉ, Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delicious pasta dish made with sautรฉed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a creamy garlic sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for weeknights and can be customized to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (e.g., fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (e.g., cremini or button)
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve ยผ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sautรฉ the mushrooms: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the sliced mushrooms and sautรฉ for 5โ7 minutes until golden brown. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the spinach: Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2โ3 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Stir well and let it simmer for 2โ3 minutes. Add the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Divide into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
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