This Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a quick and tasty dish! With fresh spinach, earthy mushrooms, and creamy Parmesan cheese, it’s comforting and satisfying.
I love how it all cooks in one pan—less mess to clean up! Plus, you can whip it up in no time for a busy weeknight dinner. Who doesn’t love that? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Farfalle Pasta: This pasta shape is fun and holds sauce well. If you don’t have farfalle, any other pasta like penne or fusilli works too! Gluten-free pasta is a great swap if you need a gluten-free option.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely flavor. If you’re out, any neutral oil like canola or avocado oil will work, but the taste might change slightly.
Cremini Mushrooms: These mushrooms give a deeper flavor than white button mushrooms. You can replace them with any other mushrooms, like shiitake or portobello, or even frozen mushrooms if that’s what you have.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Spinach wilts down quickly, and fresh is best. If fresh isn’t available, you can use frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is key for a rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free or vegan, try a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
How Do I Ensure My Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Garlic can turn bitter if overcooked, so keep an eye on it while cooking. Sauté it over medium heat, and stop cooking right when you smell the aroma (about 30 seconds). If you’re worried, you can add it a minute after heating the oil to reduce cooking time.
- Cook garlic gently to release flavors without burning.
- Consider using a garlic press for even finer pieces.
- If garlic does burn, start over, as it can affect your dish’s taste.
How Do I Create a Creamy Sauce without Heavy Cream?
Using reserved pasta water is a clever trick! The starch released from the pasta creates a creamy texture when combined with cheese. Here’s how to do it:
- Before draining pasta, save some cooking water.
- Add it gradually to the skillet with pasta, stirring to create a sauce.
- Mix in the Parmesan to enhance creaminess without heavy cream.
These tips will help you create a delicious pasta dish easily, and you’ll impress everyone with your cooking skills! Enjoy your meal!
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (about 2 1/2 cups) farfalle pasta (bowtie pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish! You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes cooking the pasta and about 10 minutes sautéing the mushrooms, garlic, and spinach to bring everything together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta but make sure to save 1/2 cup of the cooking water for later. Set both aside for now.
2. Sautéing the Garlic and Peppers:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté them together for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to become fragrant but be careful not to let it burn!
3. Cooking the Mushrooms:
Next, add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Stir them occasionally and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to release their liquid and turn golden brown. They add such a nice texture and flavor!
4. Adding the Spinach:
Now it’s time to add the fresh baby spinach. Toss it into the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts down and reduces in size. Looks great, doesn’t it?
5. Combining Everything:
Add the cooked farfalle pasta to the skillet with the mushrooms and spinach. Gently toss everything together so the pasta is coated with the veggies.
6. Creating the Sauce:
Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water, stirring the mixture. This helps create a light sauce that coats the pasta evenly, making it creamy without needing heavy creams!
7. Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This will melt into the warm pasta and create an irresistibly creamy texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious pasta immediately! If you like, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese or a dash of red pepper flakes on top for added flavor. Enjoy this hearty, comforting dish!
This Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for busy evenings or a cozy night in!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is delightful, any pasta shape you have on hand will work, such as penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly! To make it vegan, substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. Just ensure any pasta you use is egg-free.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No problem! You can substitute with frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet. You can also use other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help restore moisture. Enjoy your delicious pasta again!
