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Spinach Mushroom Pasta

Spinach Mushroom Pasta

Spinach Mushroom Pasta is a quick, easy, and nutritious dish combining tender pasta, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it offers comfort without heaviness and can be adapted with various proteins, cheeses, or dairy alternatives to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti pasta

Vegetables

  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Fat and Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream or plant-based alternative (e.g., coconut milk, cashew cream)

Cheese and Seasoning

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or substitute with mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving one cup of the pasta water for later.
  2. Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.
  3. Add Garlic and Spinach: Add the minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, stirring gently to combine flavors.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream or your chosen dairy alternative. Stir to incorporate all ingredients, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening. Cook for another minute so the pasta absorbs the sauce’s rich flavors.

Notes

  • Choose fresh mushrooms for better caramelization and depth of flavor.
  • Do not overcook spinach to maintain its vibrant color and fresh taste.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce without diluting flavor.
  • Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for a more complex, nutty flavor.
  • Season gradually with salt and pepper to avoid over-seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spinach Mushroom Pasta, creamy pasta, vegetarian pasta, quick pasta recipe, healthy pasta meal, easy weeknight dinner