Description
This Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a creamy, comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines tender pasta with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it is easy to prepare in one pan and can be customized with your favorite proteins or greens.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Optional Toppings
- Red pepper flakes
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 ounces of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release moisture and start to brown.
- Add Garlic: Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to combine and release its aroma.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir in 3 cups of fresh spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Season the mixture with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, stirring to combine.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to a creamy consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the sauce is creamy. Serve immediately, topped with optional red pepper flakes and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute kale or arugula for the spinach if preferred.
- To make this dish heartier, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- Serving with crusty bread pairs well with the creamy sauce.
