Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: I used farfalle for its fun shape, but any pasta like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti works well, too! Consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you’re looking for healthier options.

Spinach: Fresh baby spinach brings a lovely color and taste. In a pinch, frozen spinach can be used—just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water.

Mushrooms: I love using cremini mushrooms for their earthy flavor. However, you can swap them for button mushrooms or even sauté onions or bell peppers for a different twist.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is key for creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor, or you can use vegan parmesan alternatives.

Butter: Adding butter at the end makes the dish rich and creamy, but feel free to leave it out or replace it with a splash of olive oil for a lighter option.

How Do I Sauté Mushrooms Without Making Them Soggy?

Sautéing mushrooms correctly is essential to achieving that yummy, browned flavor. Follow these tips for perfect mushrooms:

• Start with a dry skillet. Make sure it’s heated well before adding oil.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if you have a lot of mushrooms. This prevents steam and helps them brown.
• Let them cook undisturbed initially for a few minutes, which allows proper browning.
• Only stir occasionally until they’re nicely golden and tender.

With these steps, you’ll get perfectly sautéed mushrooms every time!

Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (about 2 1/4 cups) farfalle (bowtie) pasta

For the Vegetables:

• 10 oz fresh baby spinach
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For Cooking:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth (or reserved pasta cooking water)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook, totaling around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, so you can enjoy a delicious meal on a busy night!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

First, take a large pot and fill it with water. Add salt and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before you drain it, remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. After reserving the water, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms:

In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. When it’s hot, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them until they start to brown and become tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally so they cook evenly.

3. Add Garlic and Spinach:

Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic and the crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir it all together and cook for about 1 minute, being careful not to let the garlic burn. Now, toss in the fresh spinach and continue to stir until it wilts down, which should take another 2-3 minutes.

4. Combine with Pasta:

Once the spinach is wilted, add the cooked farfalle pasta to the skillet. Pour in the reserved pasta cooking water or broth, giving everything a good stir to combine it nicely.

5. Make it Creamy:

Lower the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with half of the salt and pepper. If you’re using butter for richness, add that in too! Stir until everything is well coated and creamy. If it feels a bit thick, you can add more pasta water to loosen it up just a bit.

6. Taste and Adjust:

Now, taste your pasta! Feel free to add the remaining salt and pepper to suit your flavor preferences.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet right away. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top and, if you like a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes! Enjoy your meal!

Bon Appétit! 🌟

FAQ for Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet

Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber, while gluten-free pasta can accommodate dietary needs. Just follow the cooking time on the package, as it may vary from regular pasta.

Can I Substitute the Mushrooms?

Yes, you can! Feel free to use any variety of mushrooms like shiitake or portobello, or even swap them out for other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.

How Can I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the creamy sauce.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

You can prepare the pasta and sauce components ahead of time, but I recommend cooking the pasta fresh. If you make it in advance, just make sure to store everything separately and then combine before serving!