Spinach Mushroom Pasta – A Creamy, Comforting Pasta Masterpiece!
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s both hearty and fresh, this Spinach Mushroom Pasta is calling your name! 🍄🍝
Rich, creamy, and packed with earthy mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and plenty of garlic, this pasta dish hits all the right notes. It’s a recipe that feels indulgent yet sneaks in a good dose of greens and umami-rich mushrooms. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
The creamy sauce, made with half-and-half and Parmesan cheese, luxuriously coats every strand of pasta, while the cremini mushrooms add a depth of flavor that will keep you coming back for more. If you enjoy comforting pasta dishes, you’ll also love this Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine or this elegant Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells.
Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- Produce:
- 1 lb cremini mushrooms sliced
- 8 oz fresh spinach
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Pasta & Grains:
- 1 lb pasta penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or your favorite!
- Baking & Spices:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oils & Vinegars:
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Dairy:
- 2 1/4 cups half-and-half
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Optional Garnish:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
- Lemon zest for brightness
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add your pasta and cook until al dente, following package directions.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced cremini mushrooms.
- Cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are golden brown and their moisture has evaporated.
Step 3: Add Garlic
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Pour in the half-and-half, stirring well to combine.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Spinach
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the spinach, and stir until wilted — about 1–2 minutes.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce.
- Toss to coat evenly. Use the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 7: Serve
- Plate the pasta and garnish with:
- Chopped parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes or lemon zest for a bright finish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Variations
Want to make this dish your own? Try these irresistible variations: 1. Add Protein
Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta. 2. Spicy Kick
Add crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with spicy chili oil. 3. Vegan Option
Use coconut cream instead of half-and-half, nutritional yeast for cheese flavor, and plant-based Parmesan. 4. Herbaceous Boost
Mix in fresh thyme, basil, or oregano for an herbal note. 5. Nutty Finish
Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture. 6. Lemony Twist
Add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Freezing:
Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing. Pro Tip: Always save a bit of pasta water to revive creamy sauces when reheating! 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Yes! Try button mushrooms, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for variety. 2. Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
You can, but half-and-half creates a creamier, richer sauce. 3. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! It’s naturally vegetarian as written. 4. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding. 5. What pasta shape works best?
Short pastas like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but fettuccine or linguine are great too! 6. How can I make this dish lighter?
Use low-fat milk or light cream and skip the extra cheese garnish. 7. What’s the best way to clean mushrooms?
Wipe them with a damp cloth or use a soft brush — avoid soaking! 8. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and heat before serving. 9. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Creamy pasta and mild mushrooms are a hit with kids. 10. Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes! Add a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic for extra depth. Conclusion
There you have it — your new favorite pasta dish: Spinach Mushroom Pasta! 🍄🍝✨ It’s cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor, yet so simple to make. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a crowd-pleasing dinner, this pasta checks every box. The earthy mushrooms and wilted spinach make it feel hearty, while the creamy Parmesan sauce ties it all together into pure deliciousness. Make it your own with the variations, add your favorite proteins, or enjoy it just as it is for a meatless meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. For even more pasta inspiration, check out this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or this Spinach Artichoke Pasta for your next kitchen adventure! Buon appetito! 🎉
Want to make this dish your own? Try these irresistible variations: 1. Add Protein
Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta. 2. Spicy Kick
Add crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with spicy chili oil. 3. Vegan Option
Use coconut cream instead of half-and-half, nutritional yeast for cheese flavor, and plant-based Parmesan. 4. Herbaceous Boost
Mix in fresh thyme, basil, or oregano for an herbal note. 5. Nutty Finish
Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture. 6. Lemony Twist
Add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Freezing:
Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing. Pro Tip: Always save a bit of pasta water to revive creamy sauces when reheating! 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Yes! Try button mushrooms, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for variety. 2. Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
You can, but half-and-half creates a creamier, richer sauce. 3. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! It’s naturally vegetarian as written. 4. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding. 5. What pasta shape works best?
Short pastas like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but fettuccine or linguine are great too! 6. How can I make this dish lighter?
Use low-fat milk or light cream and skip the extra cheese garnish. 7. What’s the best way to clean mushrooms?
Wipe them with a damp cloth or use a soft brush — avoid soaking! 8. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and heat before serving. 9. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Creamy pasta and mild mushrooms are a hit with kids. 10. Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes! Add a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic for extra depth. Conclusion
There you have it — your new favorite pasta dish: Spinach Mushroom Pasta! 🍄🍝✨ It’s cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor, yet so simple to make. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a crowd-pleasing dinner, this pasta checks every box. The earthy mushrooms and wilted spinach make it feel hearty, while the creamy Parmesan sauce ties it all together into pure deliciousness. Make it your own with the variations, add your favorite proteins, or enjoy it just as it is for a meatless meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. For even more pasta inspiration, check out this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or this Spinach Artichoke Pasta for your next kitchen adventure! Buon appetito! 🎉