Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Rich: The creamy Parmesan sauce paired with garlic-infused mushrooms and spinach offers a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: A hearty meatless option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 2¼ cups half-and-half (or single cream)
- 1 pound pasta of your choice
- 8 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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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 about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and turn golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.
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Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the half-and-half, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
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Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
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Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
- Total Time: 25 minutes.
Variations
- Protein Addition: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp for added protein.
- Herb Enhancements: Introduce fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Alternatives: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a unique twist.
- Pasta Choices: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?
Cremini mushrooms are recommended for their rich flavor, but white button mushrooms or a mix of wild mushrooms can also be used.
Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes, but the sauce will be less creamy. For a richer texture, consider adding a small amount of cream to the milk.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely. Substitute dairy products with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan Parmesan cheese. Ensure the pasta used is also egg-free.
How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Gradually add reserved pasta water to the sauce until the desired consistency is achieved.
What other vegetables can I add?
Bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions to this pasta.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and combine them just before serving.
How can I add a spicy kick to the dish?
Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when sautéing the garlic.
Is it okay to use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and drain the spinach thoroughly before adding it to the sauce to prevent excess water.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Cream-based sauces can change texture when frozen. It’s best to refrigerate leftovers and consume them within a few days.
Conclusion
This Creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta is a versatile and delectable dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Its quick preparation and rich flavors make it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy the harmonious blend of creamy sauce, savory mushrooms, and fresh spinach in every bite.
Spinach Mushroom Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta, featuring tender pasta tossed in a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. Sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach add depth and earthy flavors, making this an irresistible vegetarian meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy 30-minute pasta recipe is both rich and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 2¼ cups half-and-half (or single cream)
- 1 lb pasta of your choice
- 8 oz fresh spinach
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and tender.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in half-and-half and let it simmer for a few minutes to slightly thicken.
- Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in grated Parmesan until melted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk for the best texture.
