If you’re craving a luscious, flavorful dinner that feels both comforting and fresh, you have to try this Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe. Imagine tender pasta coated in a creamy sauce bursting with garlicky mushrooms and vibrant spinach, all brought together with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, yet it’s surprisingly simple to whip up on any busy night. Once you try this recipe, it’s going straight into your dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe plays an important role, from the aromatic garlic that builds the base flavor to the creamy half-and-half that gives the sauce its velvety texture. These straightforward ingredients are easy to find but together create something truly special.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and mushrooms to perfect tenderness.
- 6 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with bold, savory notes that awaken every bite.
- 1 pound Cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced: Offers a deep, earthy flavor and meaty texture that makes the sauce hearty.
- 2¼ cups half-and-half or single cream: Creates the creamy base for the sauce without feeling too heavy.
- 1 pound pasta of choice: Shapes the foundation of the dish—feel free to use fettuccine, penne, or your favorite pasta.
- 8 oz spinach: Brings a fresh, green pop of color and a mild sweetness when wilted into the sauce.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty goodness and helps thicken the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped: Gives a hint of brightness and herbaceous flavor at the end.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the dish.
How to Make Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil Water and Cook Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Salting the water is key—it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook your pasta until it’s just shy of al dente because it will finish cooking when tossed with the sauce. This ensures a perfect texture without any mushiness.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, but be careful not to burn it. Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they’ve released their moisture and become tender. This step builds the rich, earthy base that makes this Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Add Spinach and Cream
Now it’s time for the spinach—stir it right into the mushrooms and garlic so it wilts down beautifully. Once the spinach is soft and fragrant, pour in the half-and-half. Let the cream simmer gently, reducing slightly to create a beautifully thick and silky sauce. This creamy step is where the pasta sauce truly comes to life.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain your pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together with the chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The heat from the pasta will melt the cheese, helping everything come together into one luscious dish.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency and Season
If the sauce feels a bit thick, gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it up. This starchy water is like magic, helping the sauce cling perfectly to every strand of pasta. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to get that perfect savory balance.
Step 6: Serve
Dish up your creation hot and enjoy the comforting warmth and incredible flavors in every bite. This Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe shines as a satisfying meal on its own or as part of a bigger spread.
How to Serve Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing touch of extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley really makes this pasta pop visually and flavor-wise. For a little extra indulgence, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few chili flakes adds some sophistication and spice.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan. Crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce—utterly irresistible!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy feel or on elegant plates if you want to impress guests. Top with microgreens or edible flowers for a pop of fresh color and wow factor. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch and depth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spinach Mushroom Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta, but the texture of the cream sauce may slightly change. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach or frozen spinach for this Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe?
Fresh spinach is best for this recipe as it wilts nicely and retains its vibrant color and texture. However, if you only have frozen spinach, thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce to prevent excess moisture.
What type of pasta works best in this Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe?
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Long noodles like fettuccine or linguine elegantly twirl with the sauce, while short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the half-and-half with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy finish.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from breaking?
Keep the heat moderate and avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cream. Gentle simmering helps the sauce thicken smoothly without separating.
Is it possible to add protein to this Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe?
Yes! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu are great options to add some protein and make it an even heartier meal.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it combines simplicity with incredible flavor. It’s a dish you can make any night of the week and impress family or friends without fuss. I hope you fall in love with it just like I did—there’s something truly special about creamy mushrooms and fresh spinach twirling around your fork. Give it a try and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and delicious Spinach Mushroom Pasta that combines sautéed garlic, tender Cremini mushrooms, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a luscious half-and-half sauce. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound Cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 2¼ cups half-and-half or single cream
- 8 oz fresh spinach
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 1 pound pasta of choice
Instructions
- Boil Water and Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook until just under al dente, usually 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions, so it finishes cooking in the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms: While pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the sliced mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they become tender and release their moisture, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Cream: Stir fresh spinach into the skillet with the mushrooms and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the half-and-half and reduce heat to a simmer. Let the sauce cook gently until it thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water. Add the pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, tossing to combine everything thoroughly.
- Adjust Consistency and Season: Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the Spinach Mushroom Pasta immediately while hot. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use half-and-half for a creamy but lighter sauce, or substitute with heavy cream for a richer flavor.
- Cremini mushrooms provide excellent flavor, but you can mix with shiitake or button mushrooms if preferred.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency; the starch helps bind the sauce to pasta.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-grated, giving a smoother sauce.
- Serve immediately as the sauce thickens upon standing.
