Description
Spinach Mushroom Pasta is a creamy, nutritious, and comforting dish that combines tender mushrooms, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta in a flavorful sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, offering a balanced meal packed with fiber, vitamins, and indulgent creaminess. It’s highly customizable, suitable for vegan, gluten-free, or extra cheesy preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Base
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for vegan)
Cooking Essentials & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, a pinch
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving one cup of pasta water for later use.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and moisture evaporates. Stir in minced garlic during the last minute to release its aroma.
- Add Spinach and Seasonings: Toss the fresh spinach into the pan and stir until wilted. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the cream and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. If using Parmesan cheese, add it now and stir to melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce along with a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture if needed. Toss gently to coat all the noodles with the creamy spinach mushroom sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the pasta to plates or bowls and garnish as desired with freshly grated Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, or chopped fresh herbs. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach and mushrooms for brighter and more flavorful results.
- Brown mushrooms well but avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess.
- Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling nicely to the pasta.
- Simmer the cream gently and avoid boiling to maintain a silky sauce texture.
- Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes at the end to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg