This Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a tasty one-pan meal! It mixes pasta, fresh spinach, and mushrooms with creamy Parmesan cheese for a comforting dish.
The best part? You can whip it up quickly, even on busy nights! I love how the spinach turns bright green and the mushrooms get all tender. It’s pure comfort in a bowl! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used farfalle for its fun shape, but you can swap it with any pasta like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust cooking time as needed!
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms are my go-to for a richer flavor. If you can’t find them, regular white mushrooms will work too. You could also try adding some shiitake or portobello for a different taste!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for depth of flavor! If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute in a hurry, but I recommend sticking with fresh.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully in the skillet, but if it’s unavailable, try using frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well first!
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a great cheesy flavor. Pecorino Romano is a tasty alternative if you want something a bit stronger. Nutritional yeast can work for a dairy-free option!
How Do I Make Sure My Mushrooms Cook Perfectly?
Cooking mushrooms well can make a big difference! Here’s how to get them golden and packed with flavor:
- Start with a hot skillet and add your olive oil before tossing in the mushrooms. This helps them sear rather than steam.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you add too many at once, they’ll release water and won’t brown properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Be patient! Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring. This helps develop a nice color.
Following these tips ensures your mushrooms will be deliciously golden and flavorful in your pasta dish!
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (about 2 1/2 cups) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water (more if needed)
- Optional: 1 small shallot, finely chopped (for extra flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is quick and easy! It takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, so you’ll have this delicious meal on the table in just about 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing 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 done, make sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them until they release their moisture and turn golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remember to stir them occasionally.
3. Add Shallot and Garlic:
If you’re using shallots, toss them into the skillet next. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until softened. Now it’s time to add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds, or until you can smell the fragrant garlic!
4. Add Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook while stirring until it wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste!
5. Combine Everything:
Now, reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring to help loosen up the mixture. This will create a light sauce that brings everything together.
6. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently toss everything together until it’s all well combined and creamy. If the pasta seems too dry, feel free to add more pasta water to reach your desired consistency!
7. Final Touches:
Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning if you like. You can add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes according to your preference.
8. Serve:
Serve your wonderful Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet warm, and don’t hesitate to garnish with extra Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious, homemade dish!
Bon Appétit! 😊
FAQ for Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is a great choice, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, fusilli, or even linguine would work nicely. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can substitute it with frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet. You could also use other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian since it doesn’t include meat. For a vegan version, simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative, and ensure any pasta used is egg-free.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. You can also microwave it, stirring occasionally for even heating.
