Go Back
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended) - 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button) - 5 oz fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast - Salt, black pepper, and nutmeg - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion - 3 cloves garlic When you make creamy mushroom spinach pasta, the ingredients play a key role. First, choose your pasta. I love penne or fettuccine for this dish. They both hold sauce well. Next, focus on the mushrooms. You can use cremini or button mushrooms. Both add a rich flavor. The fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. It wilts down nicely in the sauce. For the sauce, you need heavy cream or coconut cream. This gives the dish its creaminess. If you prefer a vegan option, nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Don’t forget the seasonings. Salt, black pepper, and a touch of nutmeg enhance the taste. Finally, aromatics are important. The olive oil helps cook the onion and garlic. They bring a warm, savory aroma to the dish. Use a medium onion and three cloves of garlic for the best flavor. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a delicious meal! - Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. - Add the pasta and cook until it is al dente. - Before draining, save 1 cup of the pasta water for later. - In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. - Add the chopped onion and cook until it is translucent, about 5 minutes. - Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. - Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them until they turn golden, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. - Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts, about 2 to 3 minutes. - Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for 2 minutes. - If the sauce is too thick, mix in some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. - Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if you like. To make the cream sauce just right, you want it smooth and thick. Start by adding the cream slowly. Stir as you pour. If it gets too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This helps reach that perfect creamy consistency. Balancing flavors is key. Always taste your sauce. Add salt and black pepper to suit your liking. A touch of nutmeg brings warmth too. Just remember, a little goes a long way! Timing is crucial when cooking pasta. Follow the package instructions closely. You want it cooked until al dente, which means firm to the bite. To prevent overcooking, set a timer. Drain your pasta carefully but remember to save some pasta water! Reserving pasta water is a game-changer. It’s starchy and helps bind your sauce and pasta. When adding the sauce, mix in a bit of this water. It’ll help achieve that smooth, creamy texture. Serving your dish well can make it more appealing. Use warm bowls for your pasta. This keeps it hot longer and looks extra inviting. To garnish, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a pop of color and flavor. A drizzle of olive oil can enhance the dish even more. For a zesty finish, add lemon zest right before serving. This brightens the flavors beautifully! {{image_4}} To make this dish vegetarian, simply skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast. For a vegan version, swap heavy cream for coconut cream. You can also try almond milk or cashew cream for a lighter touch. Adding extra veggies can boost flavor and nutrition. Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or peas. These add color and taste without changing the creamy goodness. If you want to add protein, chicken, shrimp, or tofu works well. For chicken, use one pound of diced breast. Cook it until golden before adding mushrooms. For shrimp, add them when the mushrooms are almost done. Cook until they turn pink. For tofu, use firm tofu. Cube it and sauté until golden before adding other ingredients. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose. You can also make this dish in the oven. After combining the pasta and sauce, transfer it to a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes. This gives a nice, crispy top! Another method is one-pot cooking. Sauté everything in a large pot, then add the pasta and sauce. This saves time and reduces cleanup. Just ensure you add enough liquid to cook the pasta. To keep your creamy mushroom spinach pasta fresh, store leftovers right away. Allow the dish to cool completely before placing it in the fridge. Use an airtight container for the best results. Make sure to consume it within 3-4 days for the best flavor and safety. When you're ready to enjoy your pasta again, gently reheat it. Place the leftovers in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir often, so it warms evenly. This method helps prevent the dish from drying out. You can also use the microwave, but cover it to keep moisture in. If you want to save your creamy mushroom spinach pasta for later, freezing is a great choice. First, let the dish cool down completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavors intact and the texture just right. Yes, you can use many types of pasta in this dish. Some great alternatives are: - Spaghetti - Fusilli - Rigatoni - Whole wheat pasta Each type will bring a different texture. Pick one that you enjoy most. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions. There are several options if you want to skip heavy cream. Here are some good choices: - Coconut cream for a dairy-free option - Cashew cream for a rich, nutty taste - Greek yogurt for a thicker, tangy flavor - Almond milk with a bit of flour to thicken These options will keep your dish creamy and delicious. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. You can find many types at the store. Here are a few tips: - Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package directions. - Keep an eye on the cooking time, as it can vary. - Use gluten-free flour if you need to thicken the sauce. With these adjustments, you can enjoy this creamy mushroom spinach pasta without gluten. In this blog post, I've detailed how to make a creamy pasta dish with fresh ingredients. You learned about the main ingredients, the steps for cooking, and tips for perfecting the sauce. We covered variations to suit different diets and how to store leftovers. It’s all about making your meal enjoyable and stress-free. Try these tips next time you cook. Enjoy your pasta creation and make it your own!

Creamy Mushroom Spinach Pasta

Indulge in a creamy mushroom spinach pasta delight that will elevate your dinner game! This rich, flavorful dish combines perfectly cooked pasta with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a luscious cream sauce. Easy to prepare and packed with taste, it's perfect for any night of the week. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how to create this delicious meal at home.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

12 oz (340 g) pasta of your choice (penne or fettuccine recommended)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms work well)

5 oz (140 g) fresh spinach, thoroughly washed

1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a dairy-free alternative)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan substitute)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds a nice depth)

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, making sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.

    Sauté the Aromatics: In a spacious skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Then, include the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen.

      Add the Mushrooms: Now, stir in the sliced mushrooms, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’ve softened and achieved a lovely golden brown hue.

        Incorporate the Spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach and gently stir until it wilts down, which should only take about 2-3 minutes.

          Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat and pour in your heavy cream (or coconut cream). Stir the mixture well, letting it gently simmer for about 2 minutes. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creamy consistency.

            Cheese It Up: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce is luxuriously creamy. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).

              Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, gently mixing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the rich, creamy sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.

                Serve: Plate the creamy mushroom spinach pasta elegantly and finish off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.

                  - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in warm, inviting bowls and consider finishing with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a light drizzle of olive oil for an elegant finish. For an extra zesty kick, add a touch of lemon zest right before serving to brighten the flavors!