Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet Recipe

This Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a simple, delicious, and comforting dish that’s packed with flavor from tender mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Made in one pan, this recipe is perfect for a busy night when you crave a homemade meal without a pile of dishes. The flavors are light but rich, making this pasta a favorite with vegetarians and pasta lovers alike.

Preparation Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach, garlic, and mushrooms add depth and freshness to the dish. Pre-slice your mushrooms and measure out ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth cooking process.
2. Grate Parmesan Freshly: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt more smoothly into the sauce compared to pre-shredded options, which can sometimes have added fillers.
3. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking the pasta al dente (firm to the bite) ensures it won’t get mushy when combined with the sauce and other ingredients in the skillet.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt, enhancing the mushrooms’ flavor.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden and caramelized. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This step brings out a deep, earthy flavor in the mushrooms.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spinach

1. Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the fresh spinach, tossing it with the mushrooms and garlic until it wilts down. This will take about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Add the Pasta

1. Add vegetable broth (or chicken broth) to the skillet, stirring to deglaze any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Stir in the uncooked pasta and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the broth and cook to a tender, al dente texture.

Step 4: Create the Parmesan Cream Sauce

1. Once the pasta is almost done, reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring well to combine.
2. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and creates a creamy, smooth sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Season and Serve

1. Taste the pasta and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added color and flavor. For an optional bright note, sprinkle with a little lemon zest.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet straight from the pan for a warm, comforting meal. Here are some ideas to complement it:

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread or warm baguette slices make a great side for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula and tomato salad pairs perfectly, adding a refreshing balance to the richness of the pasta.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, enhances the flavors of the mushrooms and Parmesan, while cutting through the creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
   • Yes! Substitute olive oil for butter, use a plant-based heavy cream alternative, and try nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a savory, cheesy flavor.
2. What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
   • Try adding roasted cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
3. Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
   • Absolutely. Short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle work well, as they hold the sauce and mix easily with the mushrooms and spinach.
4. Will Leftovers Keep Their Flavor and Texture?
   • Leftovers are best enjoyed within a day or two. The pasta may soften slightly, but reheating with a splash of cream will help restore the sauce’s original creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a versatile, rich, and satisfying dish that’s quick to prepare and easy to customize. With tender mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines convenience with gourmet flavor. Serve it as a main dish or a side, and enjoy the cozy, comforting warmth of this one-pan pasta! Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet Recipe

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This Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a simple, delicious, and comforting dish that’s packed with flavor from tender mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Made in one pan, this recipe is perfect for a busy night when you crave a homemade meal without a pile of dishes. The flavors are light but rich, making this pasta a favorite with vegetarians and pasta lovers alike.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne, farfalle, or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they are golden brown and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
   
3. Add Garlic and Spinach:
   Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
   
4. Add Cream and Parmesan:
   Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until a creamy sauce forms. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
   
5. Combine with Pasta:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
   
6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm.

Notes

Additional Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage to make this a more substantial meal.

Substitute Cream: For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.