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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate heat. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic and translucent.
- Incorporate sliced mushrooms into the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow mushrooms to transform into golden, tender morsels through occasional stirring.
- Gently fold spinach into the mushroom mixture, watching it gracefully wilt and integrate with the other ingredients.
- Stream half-and-half into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a delicate simmer. Let the sauce develop and slightly thicken over low heat.
- Extract and reserve a portion of pasta water before draining the pasta, preserving the starchy liquid for potential sauce modification.
- Transfer pasta directly into the skillet, combining with parsley and Parmesan. Enthusiastically toss to ensure comprehensive sauce coverage.
- Progressively introduce reserved pasta water, stirring to achieve the ideal sauce consistency and complete pasta cooking.
- Calibrate seasoning with additional salt and pepper according to personal preference.
- 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