Description
Creamy Spinach Mushroom Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender pasta, earthy mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and a rich creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight or elegant weekend dinner, this recipe balances indulgence with nutritious ingredients, delivering a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz fettuccine, penne, or your favorite pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Components
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring continuously until it wilts down and blends well with the mushrooms and garlic.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to combine all ingredients. Add the parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing well to coat every strand with the creamy spinach mushroom sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach your desired consistency.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor and texture instead of dried ones.
- Add the spinach last and cook only until wilted to preserve its bright flavor and color.
- Reserve some pasta water when draining as it helps create a silky sauce.
- A pinch of white pepper or chili flakes can add mild heat without overpowering the dish.
- Cook the sauce in a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heat and prevent burning.
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
- Try different herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley to brighten the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg