Description
This creamy mushroom and spinach pasta is a quick, comforting, and flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Packed with the earthy goodness of mushrooms, the freshness of spinach, and a rich parmesan cream sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200 grams dry pasta (penne, fettuccine, linguine, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup dry white wine (optional; substitute vegetable broth or water)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for serving)
- 2 handfuls fresh spinach, about 2–3 cups, loosely packed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté the Mushrooms
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown around the edges.
- Add Garlic
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer for 1-2 minutes, until mostly evaporated.
- Create the Creamy Sauce
- Add the heavy cream and the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.
- Add Spinach
- Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve
- Plate the pasta and garnish with extra parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve the starchy pasta water; it’s key to achieving a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Customizations: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for extra protein.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add cherry tomatoes, peas, or zucchini for additional flavor and nutrients.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/2 of the recipe)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg