This Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet brings together hearty mushrooms, fresh spinach, and creamy parmesan for a delicious dinner. It’s quick, making it perfect for busy nights!
Trust me, the cheesy goodness just makes everything better! I often whip this up when I want comfort without the fuss. It’s a win for both taste and time! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using farfalle for its fun shape, but any pasta will do! Try penne or fusilli if you have them on hand. Gluten-free pasta works well too if you need that option.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms add more depth, but white mushrooms are completely fine. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, diced zucchini or bell peppers can substitute nicely!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this dish, but you can use frozen spinach if that’s all you have. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. If you’re looking for a substitute, Pecorino Romano offers a similar flavor. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option!
How Do I Get the Mushrooms Just Right?
The key to cooking mushrooms perfectly is to get that nice brown color and flavor. Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding mushrooms; this helps them sear instead of steam.
- Cook them in a single layer if possible. Avoid overcrowding the pan, or they won’t brown.
- Let them sit a bit before stirring – this helps develop a nice crust.
Follow this simple technique, and your mushrooms will be wonderfully juicy and full of flavor!
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225 g) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz (280 g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water reserved
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total, which includes time for boiling the pasta and cooking the veggies. It’s a quick and easy meal that comes together in just one skillet—perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, sautéing it for about 2–3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant!
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir occasionally and let them cook for about 6–8 minutes. You want them to become tender and start to brown, releasing their lovely juices.
4. Incorporate the Spinach:
Now, it’s time to add the fresh spinach and the red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2–3 minutes.
5. Combine with the Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the mushroom and spinach mix. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water to help loosen everything up if needed. This will make the dish extra creamy!
6. Finish with Parmesan:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and coats the pasta and veggies evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and fresh black pepper as desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve your delicious pasta dish immediately, garnished with a little extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat. Enjoy your creamy, savory pasta loaded with mushrooms and tender spinach!
FAQ for Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is fun and delicious, you can substitute it with any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you’re using!
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can use frozen spinach instead. Just make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the skillet. This will help prevent the dish from becoming too watery!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian! To make it vegan, substitute the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese option or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without any dairy. Just remember to check labels if you’re using store-bought substitutes!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to help restore some moisture.
