Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine work well)
- Salt, for pasta water
For the Spinach Mushroom Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms (button, cremini, or portobello), sliced
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are golden and have released their moisture.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to bring out the flavors of the mushrooms and onions.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted.
- If using red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, add them at this stage.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the skillet and pick up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese has melted into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Combine with the Pasta
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Continue to toss and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavors of the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Divide the pasta among serving bowls. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Creamy Spinach Mushroom Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g