The Best Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Spinach mushroom pasta blends earthy woodland flavors with vibrant green nutrition in a single comforting dish.

Tender mushrooms provide deep umami undertones that complement the delicate leafy greens perfectly.

These ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious culinary experience that satisfies multiple taste preferences.

Nutritionists appreciate the protein and mineral-rich combination packed into this simple meal.

Home cooks love how quickly this recipe revolutionizes basic ingredients into something spectacular.

The creamy sauce envelops each pasta strand, ensuring maximum flavor in every delightful bite.

Each forkful promises a balance of textures and robust Mediterranean-inspired goodness.

Best Foods to Serve with Spinach Mushroom Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy pasta sauce, refreshing your palate with each sip.
• Match with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, earthy mushroom and spinach flavors.
• Complement with Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or herbed focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy textural contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Enhance with Herbal Side Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or chives on top to add a bright, aromatic element that elevates the overall dish's flavor profile.

Ways to Modify Spinach Mushroom Pasta

• Protein Power Pasta: Enhance the recipe by adding grilled chicken breast or seared shrimp for extra protein and depth of flavor. Slice the protein into bite-sized pieces and mix into the sauce just before adding the pasta.
• Mediterranean Mix: Transform the dish by incorporating sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of dried oregano. Replace half-and-half with Greek yogurt for a tangier sauce and lighter texture.
• Vegan Veggie Option: Swap half-and-half with coconut milk or cashew cream for a plant-based alternative. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and include roasted bell peppers or zucchini for additional vegetables. Use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast as a topping.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mushroom and spinach mixture. Incorporate fresh basil and chives instead of parsley for a bright, aromatic finish. Drizzle with chili-infused olive oil before serving for an extra layer of complexity.

Why Spinach Mushroom Pasta Belongs on Your Table

• Savor Speedy Comfort: Whip up this delightful spinach mushroom pasta in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Celebrate Creamy Veggie Bliss: The combination of golden mushrooms, wilted spinach, and rich half-and-half creates a luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to every pasta strand, delivering a velvety texture and deep, earthy flavors.
• Master Easy Restaurant-Style Technique: Learn the professional chef's trick of using reserved pasta water to create a silky, glossy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort.
• Enjoy Versatile One-Pan Wonder: This recipe requires just one skillet, minimal cleanup, and offers endless customization potential by swapping pasta types or adding protein like chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

Ingredients for Spinach Mushroom Pasta

• Pasta: Classic pasta choice for a hearty Italian-inspired dish, preferably a short shape like penne or fusilli that catches sauce well.

• Spinach, Mushrooms: Fresh, tender vegetables that bring earthy flavors and nutritional richness to the pasta, with mushrooms providing a meaty texture and spinach adding vibrant green color.

• Half-and-Half: Creamy dairy component that creates a smooth, luxurious sauce base with rich texture.
• Olive Oil: High-quality oil for sautéing ingredients and building foundational flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep, warm flavor to the entire dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and helps thicken the sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings brightness and visual appeal to the final dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning ingredients to enhance and balance overall flavor profile.

Cooking Instructions for Spinach Mushroom Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Water

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Sprinkle in salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor. Cook pasta slightly under al dente, following package directions, as it will continue cooking in the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and gently sauté until it releases its fragrant aroma, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Transform Mushrooms

• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook while stirring occasionally until mushrooms turn golden and become tender, approximately 8 minutes.

Step 4: Wilt Fresh Spinach

Fold spinach into the mushroom mixture, allowing it to soften and incorporate completely.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour half-and-half into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, reducing heat and letting the sauce thicken for about 4 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Chopped parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Toss thoroughly to coat every pasta strand.

Step 7: Perfect the Sauce Consistency

Gradually introduce reserved pasta water, stirring to help pasta finish cooking and create a silky sauce. Adjust liquid as needed for a luxurious, creamy texture.

Step 8: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to personal preference.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate immediately, accompanied by a crisp side salad and crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Top Tips for Creamy Spinach Mushroom Pasta

• Preserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining, as its starchy content helps create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every noodle.
• Control Mushroom Browning: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking mushrooms to ensure they turn golden and develop a rich, caramelized flavor instead of steaming.
• Wilt Spinach Gently: Add spinach at the last moment and cook briefly to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent it from becoming soggy or bitter.
• Cream Sauce Technique: Keep the heat low when adding half-and-half to prevent separation and achieve a velvety, consistent sauce texture.
• Cheese Integration: Sprinkle Parmesan gradually while tossing pasta to help it melt evenly and create a more cohesive, creamy dish.

Storing and Reheating Spinach Mushroom Pasta

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to restore the creamy sauce's consistency. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking.
• Microwave Option: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.

Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spinach mushroom pasta delivers earthy elegance with creamy parmesan and tender mushrooms nestled among delicate pasta strands. Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a comforting Italian-inspired dish you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta
• 1 pound Cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
• 8 ounces (226 grams) fresh spinach
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquid and Fat:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2¼ cups half-and-half (or single cream if outside the US)

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Instructions

1. Fill a generously sized pot with water and infuse with salt to prepare for pasta cooking. Submerge pasta and cook until approaching al dente texture, keeping in mind the pasta will complete its cooking journey in the sauce.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate heat. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic and translucent.
3. Incorporate sliced mushrooms into the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow mushrooms to transform into golden, tender morsels through occasional stirring.
4. Gently fold spinach into the mushroom mixture, watching it gracefully wilt and integrate with the other ingredients.
5. Stream half-and-half into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a delicate simmer. Let the sauce develop and slightly thicken over low heat.
6. Extract and reserve a portion of pasta water before draining the pasta, preserving the starchy liquid for potential sauce modification.
7. Transfer pasta directly into the skillet, combining with parsley and Parmesan. Enthusiastically toss to ensure comprehensive sauce coverage.
8. Progressively introduce reserved pasta water, stirring to achieve the ideal sauce consistency and complete pasta cooking.
9. Calibrate seasoning with additional salt and pepper according to personal preference.
10. Present the dish immediately, accompanied by a crisp salad and rustic bread for a satisfying culinary experience.

Notes

• Elevate your pasta game with this creamy spinach and mushroom one-skillet wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Quick and easy preparation makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners, taking just about 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Reserve pasta water before draining, as the starchy liquid helps create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every pasta strand.
• Opt for fresh mushrooms like cremini or button varieties for the best flavor and golden-brown caramelization during cooking.
• Customize the dish by adding protein like grilled chicken or crispy pancetta for extra heartiness and depth of flavor.
• Choose freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more vibrant and authentic taste compared to pre-packaged options.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 80g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 50mg