Description
This Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a velvety garlic-infused cream sauce. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and hearty, making it a fantastic vegetarian meal or an excellent base for adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Ingredients
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- Half-and-half or single cream
- Pasta of your choice
- Fresh spinach
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add your preferred pasta and cook according to package instructions until just shy of al dente.
- Reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large, deep skillet, heat extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately one minute.
- Cook the Mushrooms:
- Introduce the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender, about eight minutes.
- Wilt the Spinach:
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet with the mushrooms.
- Cook until the spinach wilts and integrates with the mushrooms.
- Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in the half-and-half or single cream.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Allow it to simmer for about four minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet.
- Sprinkle in the chopped flat-leaf parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Adjust Consistency:
- Gradually pour in the reserved pasta cooking water as needed, tossing continuously, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Final Seasoning:
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if necessary.
- Serve Immediately:
- Plate the creamy spinach and mushroom pasta.
- Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
- Boil the Pasta:
Notes
- For a lighter version, use milk instead of cream or swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water.
- Pairs well with: Garlic bread, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian