Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe
A creamy and flavorful Spinach Mushroom Pasta that combines sautéed garlic, tender cremini mushrooms, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a luscious half-and-half sauce. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a comforting, hearty meal perfect for weeknights or whenever you’re craving a satisfying vegetarian pasta dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 8 oz fresh spinach
- 2¼ cups half-and-half (or single cream outside the US)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta
- 1 pound pasta of your choice
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a tablespoon of salt to season. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until just under al dente, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally and cook until mushrooms are golden and tender, about 8 minutes.
- Add Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the mushrooms in the skillet and cook until wilted, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Create Sauce: Pour in the half-and-half and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer until the sauce slightly thickens, approximately 4 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss together with chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Adjust Consistency: Gradually add half of the reserved pasta cooking water, tossing the pasta to coat evenly and finish cooking. Add more pasta water as needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, ideally alongside a light salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Clean mushrooms by wiping with a damp paper towel to remove soil; avoid washing with water to prevent sogginess.
- Cook mushrooms slowly to draw out moisture and develop deeper flavor and color.
- Salt pasta cooking water generously to season the pasta thoroughly.
- Test pasta for doneness a few minutes before package time to ensure it remains firm as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Many Parmesan cheeses are salty, so adjust salt in the sauce accordingly.
- Do not add oil to the pasta water as it prevents the sauce from sticking properly.
Keywords: spinach mushroom pasta, creamy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, easy stovetop pasta, garlic mushroom pasta, Parmesan pasta dish
Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/spinach-mushroom-pasta-recipe/
