Description

This Spinach Mushroom Pasta is a quick, comforting, and delicious vegetarian dish featuring tender pasta tossed with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and wilted spinach in a light, cheesy cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy dinner, it comes together in under 30 minutes and packs in plenty of flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

8 oz (225g) fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
Salt, for pasta water

Vegetables

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white mushrooms work well)
5 oz (140g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Sauce & Seasonings

1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or 1/2 tsp each dried basil and oregano)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Salt, to taste
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and sliced mushrooms; sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown and the moisture has evaporated.
Add the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until wilted.
Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with Italian herbs, black pepper, and salt to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, if desired.
Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, adding a splash or two of reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce is silky and coats the pasta well.
Serve: Divide the pasta among plates, sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, and enjoy immediately. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread if desired.

Notes

Swap in whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or allergy-friendly version.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for extra brightness.
Use a mix of mushrooms for deeper flavor, or substitute with your favorites.
For added protein, toss in some cooked white beans or grilled chicken (if not keeping it vegetarian).

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 420
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 270mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 40mg