If you’re in search of a deliciously comforting meal that’s as enticing as it is easy to make, look no further than this Spinach & Mushroom Pasta. This dish brings together the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the fresh, vibrant taste of spinach in a creamy, garlicky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta, making it impossible to say no.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This pasta dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Rich in Flavor: The combination of mushrooms, garlic, and parmesan creates a savory and aromatic experience.
- Nutritious: Spinach not only adds freshness but also loads of nutrients to your meal.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to make it gluten-free or dairy-free as needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spinach & Mushroom Pasta is all about fresh, simple ingredients that pack a punch. The components are easy to find and each plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect bite — from the earthy mushrooms to the nutty parmesan.
- Pasta: Use your preferred type of pasta. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta that complements the sauce’s texture.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: Brings a pop of color and nutrition. Ensure it’s fresh for the best taste and texture.
- Baby Bella Mushrooms: The star of the show, these mushrooms offer a rich, earthy flavor.
- Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil enhances the flavors of your sauce and helps in cooking the vegetables smoothly.
- Garlic & Shallot: Adds a depth of flavor that’s irresistible; mince them finely for an even cooking.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this can either use traditional or dairy-free versions, lending a beautiful creaminess to the dish.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations you can try with your Spinach & Mushroom Pasta. This dish is wonderfully adaptable, so you can tweak it to best suit your palate or dietary requirements.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed version that’ll keep you fuller, longer.
- Herby Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano to elevate the flavor profile.
- Vegan Delight: Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to keep it vegan-friendly.
How to Make Spinach & Mushroom Pasta
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Begin by slicing the majority of your mushrooms and dicing a few; this helps in achieving both texture and concentrated flavor. Dice the shallot finely and mince the garlic, preparing everything for a quick, efficient cooking process.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining, as it’ll be needed to perfect the sauce’s consistency later on.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pan, heat up the olive oil, add the shallot, and sauté until it’s translucent. Add both sliced and diced mushrooms, allowing them to sear undisturbed initially, ensuring you get a delicious caramelization before fully sautéing them.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the garlic and optional red pepper flakes, giving it a quick sauté before deglazing the pan with white wine or pasta water. Stir in the parmesan, followed by the spinach until it just wilts. Gently fold in your pasta, adding reserved pasta water as necessary to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Pro Tips for Making Spinach & Mushroom Pasta
- Mushroom Magic: Let your mushrooms sear for a few minutes without stirring for a perfect caramelized finish.
- Garlic Timing: Add garlic late in the sautéing stage to prevent it from burning, which can turn it bitter.
- Pasta Water Wonder: Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it’s the secret to a silky, well-emulsified sauce.
How to Serve Spinach & Mushroom Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. A bit of lemon zest over top just before serving can enhance the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. A chilled glass of white wine complements the dish perfectly, elevating the dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop your pasta into a large serving bowl, top with extra cheese, and place it family-style at the table. For a more formal presentation, twirl the pasta onto plates individually, garnished artistically with herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Spinach & Mushroom Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to five days, making it a convenient meal prep option.
Freezing
If you plan to freeze it, consider leaving out the spinach and adding it fresh when reheating. Freeze the pasta in a sealed container for up to one month.
Reheating
Reheat your pasta gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to return some moisture. Waiting to add fresh spinach until just before serving gives the best texture.
FAQs
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Can I use other mushrooms for this dish?
Absolutely! While baby bella mushrooms are my favorite for their flavor and texture, cremini or even button mushrooms work well.
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What type of pasta works best?
Any pasta that holds sauce well, like fettuccine or penne, is a great choice. Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if you prefer.
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Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine?
You can simply use a bit more of the reserved pasta water or even a splash of vegetable broth as a great substitute.
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How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this pasta vegan, substitute the parmesan with nutritional yeast, which adds a similar cheesy flavor.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’re equipped with all the tips and tricks, it’s time to indulge in this Spinach & Mushroom Pasta. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend evening, this dish is set to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to let me know how your version turns out!
Print
Spinach & Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and wholesome spinach and mushroom pasta recipe that combines sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, garlic, and a touch of white wine for a flavorful vegetarian meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or lunch, it’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients and versatile substitutions.
Ingredients
Pastas
- 8 ounces (225 g) gluten-free or regular pasta
Salt
- 2 teaspoons + 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
Vegetables
- 6 ounces (170 g) fresh baby spinach
- 16 ounces (550 g) baby bella mushrooms, divided
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 3-5 cloves garlic, minced
Fats & Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup (17 g) grated Parmesan cheese or dairy-free substitute
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice and Prepare Mushrooms: Slice approximately 3/4 of the mushrooms (~12 ounces) into thin slices and roughly dice the remaining 4 ounces of mushrooms to add variety and texture to the dish.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 2 teaspoons of salt and the pasta. Cook until al dente following package instructions, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and setting aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and sauté for 3-5 minutes until translucent. Add the diced and sliced mushrooms to the pan and stir to coat in oil. Spread mushrooms evenly and let sear without stirring for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining salt and sauté for another 5-7 minutes until mushrooms release their liquid and are browned.
- Deglaze and Flavor: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the white wine (if using) and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to deglaze, stirring to loosen browned bits from the pan. If not using wine, skip this step and proceed to the next.
- Combine Pasta and Greens: Add 1/2 cup (120 ml) of reserved pasta water to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated cheese and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing thoroughly. Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as desired. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water little by little until desired consistency is achieved.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm, garnished with additional cheese or red pepper flakes if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- Replace Parmesan cheese with 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- Omit white wine if you prefer an alcohol-free version; use extra pasta water to maintain moisture.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (~1 portion)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 2 mg
