Spinach mushroom pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender pasta with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a creamy garlic-infused sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with veggies and a light yet creamy sauce.
- Customizable: Add protein or adjust the flavors to suit your preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A classic combination of flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion (diced)
- Mushrooms (button or cremini, sliced)
- Fresh spinach
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions and cook until softened.
- Stir in the mushrooms and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the Spinach:
- Toss the spinach into the skillet and cook until wilted.
- Make the Sauce:
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve:
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier dish.
- Make It Vegan: Use plant-based cream, vegan Parmesan, and nutritional yeast.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
- Herby Twist: Add fresh basil, parsley, or thyme for extra flavor.
- Lighter Sauce: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and cornstarch for a lighter option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent curdling.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and drain it well before adding to the dish.
2. What mushrooms work best for this recipe?
Button, cremini, or portobello mushrooms are great options.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and pasta separately and combine before serving.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low when adding the cream and avoid boiling the sauce.
5. What can I serve with this pasta?
Pair it with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
6. Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are excellent substitutes.
7. How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer the sauce longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water).
8. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
9. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape works well, including spaghetti, rigatoni, or bowtie.
10. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s creamy and mild, making it appealing to kids.
Conclusion
Spinach mushroom pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this simple yet elegant recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it tonight!
PrintSpinach Mushroom Pasta
This Spinach Mushroom Pasta is a simple, comforting dish packed with earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a light garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner, it’s satisfying, vegetarian-friendly, and ready in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- Cook the Mushrooms and Onions:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes until they’re browned and tender. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the Spinach:
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until wilted.
- Make the Sauce:
- Lower the heat and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.