Description
A creamy and flavorful Spinach Mushroom Pasta combining tender cremini mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich half-and-half sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and garnished with Parmesan and parsley for a satisfying vegetarian meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta and 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 (outside the US)
- 1 pound pasta of choice
- 8 oz fresh spinach
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil Water and Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until just under al dente, as it will finish cooking later with the sauce.
- 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, about 1 minute. Add the sliced mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook until tender and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Cream: Stir the fresh spinach into the skillet with the mushrooms and cook until wilted. Pour in the half-and-half and simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water. Add the pasta to the skillet with the sauce, then stir in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to combine thoroughly.
- Adjust Consistency and Season: Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to coat the pasta evenly and achieve a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as preferred.
- Serve: Plate the Spinach Mushroom Pasta hot. It pairs wonderfully with a simple salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a creamier texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Cremini mushrooms provide an earthy flavor but can be substituted with button mushrooms.
- For a vegan version, replace half-and-half with a plant-based cream and use vegan cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of cream or water to loosen sauce.
