Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Spinach Mushroom Pasta is a comforting, wholesome, and easy-to-make dish that combines earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce.

This recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. It offers a delightful balance of flavors—umami-rich mushrooms, the slight bitterness of spinach, and the richness of the creamy sauce. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences by tweaking ingredients like the type of pasta or dairy used.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add a generous amount of salt to season the pasta as it cooks.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Aim for al dente pasta, which means it should still have a slight bite when you taste it.
3. Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta using a colander. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Mushrooms and Spinach

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. The butter adds richness, while the olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mushrooms will release their moisture and start to brown. Continue cooking until the mushrooms are golden brown and caramelized, which will enhance their flavor.
4. Add the Spinach: Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir the spinach until it wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes. The spinach will reduce significantly in volume.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Add the Broth: Pour 1/2 cup of vegetable or chicken broth into the skillet with the mushrooms and spinach. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Add the Cream: Reduce the heat to low, and slowly stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. The cream will thicken as it heats, creating a rich, velvety sauce that coats the mushrooms and spinach.
3. Add Parmesan: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, giving it a cheesy, creamy texture. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
4. Season: Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. The Italian seasoning adds a fragrant herbal flavor, while the red pepper flakes give the sauce a slight kick.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

1. Mix the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs or a wooden spoon to toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring each strand or piece is well coated.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water (a tablespoon at a time) until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water helps to bind the sauce to the pasta.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the Pasta: Once the pasta is fully coated in the creamy spinach mushroom sauce, divide it into individual serving bowls or plates.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top for a burst of freshness and color.
3. Serve Hot: Serve the Spinach Mushroom Pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Variations and Customizations

Spinach Mushroom Pasta is highly adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for customizing the recipe:

1. Add Protein

• Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled or roasted chicken can be added to the pasta for extra protein. Simply grill the chicken breasts while the pasta cooks, then slice and toss them into the pasta before serving.
• Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in garlic and olive oil, then stir them into the finished pasta for a seafood twist.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian protein boost, pan-fry or bake tofu cubes and mix them into the dish.

2. Change the Sauce

• Tomato-Based: Swap the cream sauce for a tomato-based sauce by adding diced tomatoes or tomato sauce to the sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Simmer until the sauce thickens, then toss with the pasta.
• Pesto: Add a few tablespoons of pesto to the cream sauce for a burst of fresh basil flavor.

3. Different Vegetables

• Kale or Arugula: Replace spinach with kale or arugula for a slightly heartier green. Be sure to cook the kale for a few minutes longer to soften it.
• Peas: Add frozen peas to the sauce for a pop of sweetness and color. Stir them in during the last minute of cooking.

4. Different Cheese

• Goat Cheese: Swap Parmesan for creamy goat cheese to create a tangy, richer sauce.
• Mozzarella: Add shredded mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy pasta bake. After combining the pasta with the sauce, transfer it to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

5. Make It Spicy

• Cajun Seasoning: Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the sauce for a spicy, Southern-inspired twist.
• Chili Flakes: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach, mushrooms, and garlic will provide the best flavor. While frozen spinach can be used in a pinch, it won’t have the same vibrant taste and texture as fresh spinach.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some of the starchy pasta water before draining. It’s a great tool for adjusting the sauce’s consistency and helping it cling to the pasta.
4. Taste as You Go: Season the sauce gradually and taste throughout the cooking process. This will help you adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

Conclusion

This Spinach Mushroom Pasta recipe is a delightful, creamy dish that’s quick to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a main course for a family dinner or impressing guests at a special gathering, this recipe will surely satisfy. With its earthy mushrooms, nutrient-rich spinach, and luscious sauce, it’s both comforting and nutritious. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can easily adapt it to suit your personal taste preferences.

Yield: 4

Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe

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Spinach Mushroom Pasta is a comforting, wholesome, and easy-to-make dish that combines earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. It offers a delightful balance of flavors—umami-rich mushrooms, the slight bitterness of spinach, and the richness of the creamy sauce. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences by tweaking ingredients like the type of pasta or dairy used.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini mushrooms)
• 5 oz (140g) fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (from cooking pasta)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
• Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are golden brown and softened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

3. Add Spinach:

• Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

4. Make the Sauce:

• Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Add Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce, stirring well to combine.

5. Combine with Pasta:

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the spinach and mushroom sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pasta Choices: You can use any type of pasta for this recipe—penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well.

Creamy Version: For an extra creamy sauce, add a little more heavy cream or a splash of milk.

Add Protein: Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal.