Creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe

I love how this Creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta brings together fresh spinach, savory mushrooms, and a luxuriously rich sauce in just a few minutes. The mix of textures and flavors really elevates a simple pasta dish, making it my go-to for a comforting, indulgent meal that feels both satisfying and effortlessly chic.

I love this Creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta recipe because it comes together in under 30 minutes and still delivers a great mix of flavors and nutrition. I start out by cooking 12 oz of penne or fettuccine according to package instructions then I prepare the sauce in a separate pan using 2 tbsp olive oil to sauté 8 oz of thinly sliced mushrooms and 3 minced garlic cloves.

The mushrooms release a nice earthy aroma while the garlic warms up the dish. Once they have softened, I add 4 cups of fresh spinach and let it wilt before stirring in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

I season the mixture with salt and pepper and even a pinch of red pepper flakes if I’m in the mood for a little heat. I then thin out the sauce with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water so the pasta is perfectly coated.

This is one of my favorite healthy dinner recipes with spinach and mushrooms.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a few reasons:

1) I love how quick it comes together – I can have a tasty meal ready in under 30 minutes, which is perfect when I’m in a rush.
2) I really enjoy the rich, creamy sauce made from Parmesan and heavy cream that makes every bite feel indulgent and comforting.
3) The mushrooms and spinach add this awesome texture and freshness that makes the dish feel balanced and flavorful.
4) I appreciate that it’s super simple and flexible; I can always tweak the seasonings or even switch up the pasta to suit my mood.

This Creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushrom Pasta is so delish and easy to whip up. I mean, it’s not only really tastyyy but its ready in under 30 minutes which is a total lifesaver on busy days. Plus, the creamy sauce and the mix of mushroom and spinach makes it feel super hearty even though its really simple.

Ingredients

• Pasta: Provides carbohydrates for energy and gives the dish its hearty base.
• Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats that adds a rich, silky flavor to the sauce.
• Mushrooms: Offers natural protein, fiber, and earthy umami for a depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Infuses a bold flavor and antioxidants, giving a slight zing to each bite.
• Spinach: Rich in vitamins and fiber, it offers a fresh, slightly bitter balance.
• Heavy Cream & Parmesan: Combine for a creamy, savory sauce loaded with protein and calcium.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provide a tiny kick of heat that livens up the dish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine works great)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced thin
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach (roughly packed)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat)
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

How to Make this

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until it’s al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

2. In a big skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the sliced mushrooms. Cook them for about 4 minutes until they’re soft.

3. Toss the minced garlic into the pan with the mushrooms and stir for about one minute until it smells amazing.

4. Pour in the heavy cream, and let it start to simmer over medium-low heat.

5. Mix in the grated Parmesan, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat.

6. Add the fresh spinach, letting it wilt down gradually while stirring.

7. Now add the drained pasta into the creamy mixture, stirring well so everything gets mixed together.

8. Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency, and let it all simmer for a couple of minutes.

9. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

10. Serve it up hot and enjoy your delicious creamy Parmesan spinach mushroom pasta!

Equipment Needed

1. A large pot for boiling the pasta in salted water
2. A colander to drain the pasta
3. A big skillet to cook the mushrooms, garlic, cream and spinach
4. A chef’s knife to slice mushrooms and mince the garlic
5. A cutting board for prepping all the ingredients
6. Measuring cups and spoons to get the right amounts of olive oil, cream, and pasta water
7. A wooden spoon to stir the sauce and mix everything together
8. A box grater for the fresh Parmesan cheese (if you haven’t got it pre-grated)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
  
  A: Yes, you can use almost any kind of pasta you like but penne or fettuccine works best in this recipe cause they hold the sauce nice.
• Q: What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
  
  A: You can use frozen spinach, just thaw and drain it well before adding to the pan so it doesn’t water down the sauce.
• Q: Do I need to slice the mushrooms very thin?
  
  A: Yup, slicing them thin makes sure they cook evenly and blend better with the pasta and sauce.
• Q: How can I make sure the sauce turns out creamy?
  
  A: Stirring in the reserved pasta water slowly helps to emulsify the sauce and gives it that creamy texture you want.
• Q: Can I add some protein to this dish?
  
  A: Sure thing, adding grilled chicken or shrimp works great and can turn this pasta into a heartier meal.

Creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have heavy cream, you can mix half-and-half with a bit of melted butter as a substitute.
• You can swap Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano or even Grana Padano for a slightly different tang.
• If fresh spinach isn’t available, try using kale or arugula; it gives a nice twist and works just as well.
• Instead of olive oil, butter or even avocado oil works if you’re aiming for a richer flavor.

Pro Tips

1. When timin’ the mushrooms, don’t rush ’em. Let the mushrooms really sizzle until they’re soft and a bit golden so they develop a deeper flavor.
2. If your sauce seems too thick, add the pasta water slowly while stirrin’. This helps keep the sauce smooth and lets it stick to your noodles better.
3. Make sure you don’t add the spinach too late. Toss it in a bit earlier so it has enough time to wilt and really mix into the creamy sauce.
4. Taste as you go, alright? Sometimes a little extra salt or pepper can really kick up the flavor, so adjust seasonings to your taste.