Mushroom Spinach Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mushroom Spinach Pasta is the ideal balance of creamy, savory, and fresh. The richness of the creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the earthy flavor of the mushrooms and the mild bitterness of the spinach, creating a harmonious dish. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, and you can have it ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With its comforting texture and hearty ingredients, it’s the kind of dish that satisfies both your taste buds and your hunger. Plus, it’s versatile—you can customize it by adding different herbs, cheese, or protein to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix)
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
3. Add the Spinach and Cream:
   • Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Add the heavy cream and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy mushroom spinach sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the pasta with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also stir in some cooked bacon or sausage.
• Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut milk and skip the Parmesan cheese for a completely vegan dish.
• Cheese Lovers: Add extra cheese, such as mozzarella, goat cheese, or feta, for a richer flavor.
• Spicy Mushroom Spinach Pasta: For a little heat, add red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the sauce.
• Nuts: Add some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezing: While this dish can be frozen, the cream sauce may change texture slightly. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to bring it back to life.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of reserved pasta water or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of mushrooms for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of mushroom you prefer, such as cremini, portobello, shiitake, or a mix of different types for added flavor and texture.

2. Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe works with any type of pasta, such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Use whatever you have on hand.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker?

To make the sauce thicker, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce it, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken the sauce.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the mushroom-spinach sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Just cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve and combine them.

5. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that the cream and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

6. Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.

7. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling when using dairy cream?

To prevent curdling, make sure the heat is on medium to low when adding the cream and avoid bringing it to a rapid boil. Stir the sauce constantly as it simmers.

8. Can I add other vegetables to the pasta?

Yes, you can add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for more flavor and texture.

9. Can I use almond milk or coconut milk instead of cream?

Yes, you can use almond milk or coconut milk, but note that it may slightly change the flavor and texture. You might also need to add a little extra thickener like cornstarch to get a creamy consistency.

10. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes, chili peppers, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce while cooking.

Conclusion

Mushroom Spinach Pasta is a quick, delicious, and comforting dish that combines fresh vegetables with creamy, savory sauce. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s flavorful enough to serve at a dinner party or special occasion. The earthy mushrooms, tender spinach, and creamy sauce create a rich and satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you enjoy it as-is or add protein or extra veggies, this pasta is versatile and sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Mushroom Spinach Pasta

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Mushroom Spinach Pasta is a comforting dish that combines earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and al dente pasta in a savory garlic cream sauce. This rich yet light meal is quick to prepare and perfect for busy nights or special occasions.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing, Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta)
   
   2 tablespoons olive oil
   
   1 onion, chopped
   
   3 garlic cloves, minced
   
   8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix)
   
   4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
   
   1/2 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative)
   
   1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
   
   Salt and pepper to taste
   
   Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
3. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until it wilts. Add the heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb some sauce.
5. Serve the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

• If you want to make this dish vegan, use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut milk and skip the Parmesan cheese.
• Add extra cheese such as mozzarella or goat cheese for a richer flavor.
• For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the sauce.
• To make this gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
• If you prefer more vegetables, add zucchini, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 35mg