Description
Delightful Spinach Mushroom Pasta combines earthy mushrooms with tender spinach, creating a comforting Italian-inspired dish. Creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta invite you to savor each delicious forkful of this simple yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) pasta cooking water (reserved)
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot and immerse the pasta, cooking until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Carefully extract a quarter cup of starchy liquid before straining. Allow the pasta to rest momentarily.
- Warm a blend of olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over moderate heat. Introduce finely chopped onions, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Incorporate sliced mushrooms, encouraging them to caramelize and develop a rich, golden-brown exterior. Season with a delicate sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked pepper.
- Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the mushroom mixture, watching them gracefully wilt and surrender their vibrant green color. The leaves should become tender and integrate seamlessly with the existing ingredients.
- Reduce the flame and introduce minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence. Swiftly incorporate heavy cream, creating a luxurious base. Integrate Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes, stirring to create a harmonious sauce. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, encouraging the flavors to intertwine and develop depth.
- Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the skillet, ensuring each strand becomes thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce. If the consistency appears too dense, gradually introduce reserved pasta water, creating a silky, glossy texture.
- Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference. Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Choose short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli to help sauce cling perfectly to every nook and cranny.
- Slice mushrooms uniformly for even cooking and a professional-looking dish that browns beautifully.
- Pat mushrooms dry before cooking to ensure they sear instead of steam, developing rich caramelized flavors.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dairy-free alternatives that maintain creamy texture.
- Use fresh baby spinach for a tender, vibrant green color that wilts quickly and retains maximum nutrients.
- Add red pepper flakes gradually to control spice level, allowing everyone to customize heat intensity.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for superior melting and deeper umami flavor compared to pre-packaged versions.
- Rinse pasta water helps loosen sauce and adds starchy richness, creating silkier coating for noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg