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Creamy Spinach Mushroom Pasta

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Pasta
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Creamy Spinach Mushroom Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta coated in a luscious creamy sauce with earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach. Perfect for a quick, easy, and wholesome vegetarian meal that can be customized with proteins or dairy-free alternatives, this recipe balances richness with fresh, vibrant flavors in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine, penne, or your favorite pasta

Vegetables

  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Fats and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Herbs and Add-ons

  • Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes or hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring to combine with the mushrooms and garlic. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens slightly, approximately 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir the fresh spinach into the sauce, allowing it to wilt naturally in the warmth. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet. Toss carefully to coat each piece with the creamy sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce’s consistency to your liking.
  6. Serve Warm: Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs, extra Parmesan, or cracked black pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms and spinach yield the best texture and flavor compared to frozen or canned.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta to al dente since it will soften slightly when combined with the sauce.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: A small amount of starchy pasta water helps adjust the sauce’s thickness and enhances silkiness.
  • Low and Slow: Simmer the sauce gently to avoid curdling and to develop richer flavor.
  • Grate Cheese Fresh: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides sharper flavor than pre-grated options.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, spinach mushroom pasta, vegetarian pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, quick pasta recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/creamy-spinach-mushroom-pasta/