Easy Farfalle with Spinach, Mushrooms & Caramelized Onions Recipe

Farfalle with its butterfly-like shape brings whimsy to pasta lovers seeking comfort and elegance on a plate.

Rich textures and earthy flavors dance together in this delightful culinary creation that reimagines simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques elevate humble vegetables into a symphony of caramelized sweetness and verdant brightness.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe by understanding the delicate balance between ingredients and technique.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in developing complex layers of taste that surprise and delight the palate.

The combination creates a harmonious dish that feels both familiar and innovative, inviting diners to savor every carefully crafted bite.

Fresh, seasonal produce becomes the star of this remarkable meal that connects rustic traditions with modern cooking sensibilities.

Farfalle with Spinach, Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions for Cozy Pasta Nights

• Savor Flavor Harmony: This recipe brilliantly combines earthy mushrooms, sweet caramelized onions, and fresh spinach, creating a symphony of tastes that dance together in every single bite.
• Elevate Weeknight Dining: The dish transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal that feels restaurant-quality yet can be prepared quickly, making ordinary dinners feel extraordinary without complex cooking techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile pasta allows home cooks to adjust ingredients based on personal preference or available pantry items, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience that welcomes culinary creativity and spontaneity.
• Texture Adventure: Silky smooth sauce, tender pasta, and caramelized onions provide a delightful textural contrast that keeps every forkful interesting and satisfying, making each mouthful an exciting culinary journey.

Savory Ingredients in Farfalle with Spinach, Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions

• Farfalle: Classic butterfly-shaped pasta that holds creamy sauces well, perfect for capturing all the delicious ingredients.

• Spinach: Fresh green leafy vegetable that adds nutrition and vibrant color to the dish.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty fungus that provides depth of flavor and rich umami taste.
• Onions: Sweet vegetable that becomes golden and caramelized, offering a rich, mellow flavor.

• Half-and-Half: Creamy liquid that helps create smooth and luxurious sauce texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty Italian cheese that adds depth and helps thicken the sauce, with a perfect granular texture for sprinkling.

How to Build Layers in Farfalle with Spinach, Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Base

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add farfalle pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain pasta in a colander, reserving a small cup of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.

Step 2: Caramelize Onion Base

• Onions turn golden brown
• Develop a rich, sweet flavor
• Become soft and translucent

This process takes approximately 20-25 minutes.

Step 3: Sauté Mushroom Medley

• Sliced mushrooms
• Minced garlic
• Pinch of salt
• Cracked black pepper

Cook until mushrooms release moisture and turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Fresh Spinach

Reduce heat to medium. Add fresh spinach leaves and fold gently into mushroom mixture. Cook until spinach wilts completely, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Splash of reserved pasta water

Stir continuously until sauce reaches smooth, silky consistency.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked farfalle directly into skillet. Toss gently to coat pasta evenly with creamy vegetable sauce.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serving

• Salt
• Cracked black pepper
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Tips to Caramelize, Wilt, and Toss Without Overdoing It

• Master Pasta Cooking: Ensure pasta is al dente by tasting it 1-2 minutes before package instructions suggest, preventing mushy texture.
• Elevate Caramelization Technique: Slowly cook onions over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to develop deep, sweet flavor without burning.
• Maximize Mushroom Flavor: Sauté mushrooms in a hot, dry pan to release moisture and concentrate their earthy taste before adding to the sauce.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Keep half-and-half and Parmesan cheese nearby to adjust sauce thickness, creating a perfectly creamy texture.
• Boost Final Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add color, freshness, and an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Best Storage for Leftover Farfalle Pasta Dishes

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating in Microwave: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or half-and-half to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Reheating on Stovetop: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of half-and-half or water to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated thoroughly, approximately 3-4 minutes. Top with fresh Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Wines and Sides That Complement This Flavorful Farfalle

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the earthy mushrooms and creamy sauce, cutting through the richness with their bright, acidic notes.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Arugula Salad: A light, peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the creamy pasta and adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, caramelized flavors.
• Match with Garlic Herb Focaccia: Crusty, herb-infused focaccia bread provides a delightful crunch and soaks up the delicious sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Finish with Chilled Prosecco: A sparkling Prosecco cleanses the palate and adds a festive touch, making this pasta dish feel like a special occasion meal.

Additions That Reinvent Farfalle with Spinach and Mushrooms

• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken breast or crispy bacon bits to enhance the protein content and provide extra savory flavor.
• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and almond milk for a completely vegan version.
• Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and kalamata olives to give the pasta a Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Spicy Herb Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add fresh basil leaves, and mix in some chopped garlic to create a more zesty and aromatic dish.

Farfalle with Spinach, Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Farfalle with spinach, mushrooms, and caramelized onions weaves Italian comfort into a rustic pasta symphony. Silky mushrooms and sweet caramelized onions dance with tender spinach, creating a harmonious plate that invites you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) farfalle pasta
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 8 ounces (226 grams) sliced mushrooms
• 1 large onion

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, preparing for the pasta cooking process.
2. Immerse the farfalle pasta into the boiling water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until al dente according to package guidelines.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium flame and gently caramelize the onions, stirring frequently to achieve a rich golden-brown color without burning.
4. In a separate pan, sauté the mushrooms until they release their moisture and develop a deep, golden exterior, creating a robust flavor profile.
5. Add fresh spinach to the mushroom pan, allowing the leaves to wilt and integrate with the earthy mushroom essence.
6. Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
7. Create a creamy sauce by combining the caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and wilted spinach in the skillet.
8. Gently fold the drained pasta into the vegetable mixture, ensuring each farfalle is elegantly coated with the vegetable medley.
9. If the sauce appears too dense, incorporate a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve a silky consistency.
10. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting to balance the flavors.
11. Transfer the pasta to serving plates and generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
12. Serve immediately, allowing diners to appreciate the harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Notes

• This vegetarian pasta dish combines rich, earthy flavors of mushrooms with sweet caramelized onions and tender spinach.
• Choose cremini or white button mushrooms for the most budget-friendly and readily available option.
• Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to develop deep, sweet flavor without burning them.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor enhancement.
• Keep pasta slightly al dente to maintain a pleasant texture when mixed with creamy sauce.
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding half-and-half or Parmesan cheese depending on desired thickness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 1.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg