Print

Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 60 reviews

A creamy and savory Spinach Mushroom Pasta made with sautéed cremini mushrooms, fresh spinach, garlic, and a luscious half-and-half sauce, tossed with your favorite pasta and topped with freshly grated Parmesan and parsley. This comforting dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal served with a simple salad and crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta and Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound Cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
  • 2¼ cups half-and-half (or single cream outside the US)
  • 1 pound pasta (your favorite type)
  • 8 oz fresh spinach
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding a tablespoon of salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just under al dente, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
  2. Sauté Garlic: While pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for approximately 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn golden and tender.
  4. Wilt Spinach: Add the spinach to the mushroom mixture in the skillet and cook until it wilts and blends well with the mushrooms.
  5. Make Sauce: Pour in the half-and-half and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  6. Drain Pasta: When pasta is just undercooked, reserve half a cup of pasta cooking water and drain the pasta.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce, then incorporate chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine thoroughly.
  8. Adjust Sauce Consistency: Gradually add half of the reserved pasta water while tossing the pasta so it finishes cooking and becomes well coated. Add more pasta water if needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
  9. Season: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
  10. Serve: Serve immediately. This pasta pairs wonderfully with a light salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Using half-and-half creates a creamy yet lighter sauce; whole cream can be used for a richer texture.
  • Cooking the pasta slightly under al dente helps it finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing more flavor.
  • Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor and melts smoothly into the sauce.
  • Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a bright flavor contrast.

Keywords: Spinach Mushroom Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Vegetarian Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Italian Pasta, Mushroom Pasta

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/spinach-mushroom-pasta-recipe/