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Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 99 reviews

This creamy spinach mushroom pasta recipe combines tender cremini mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a luscious half-and-half sauce tossed with your favorite pasta and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and comforting dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
  • 8 oz fresh spinach
  • 2¼ cups half-and-half (or single cream)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta

  • 1 pound pasta of your choice
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add one tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just under al dente, about three minutes before the recommended time, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
  2. Heat the Olive Oil and Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, roughly 1 minute.
  3. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet, season with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally, cooking until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender, about 8 minutes.
  4. Add the Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted and well combined with the mushrooms.
  5. Add Half-and-Half and Simmer: Pour in 2¼ cups of half-and-half and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 4 minutes.
  6. Drain Pasta and Reserve Water: Once pasta is just under al dente, reserve half a cup of pasta cooking water and drain the pasta.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine evenly.
  8. Adjust Sauce Consistency: Gradually add half of the reserved pasta water while tossing pasta until the sauce coats the pasta and it finishes cooking. Add more pasta water as needed if the sauce becomes too thick.
  9. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, ideally paired with a light salad and crusty bread for a full meal.

Notes

  • Clean mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel to remove soil instead of rinsing under water.
  • Cook mushrooms slowly to draw out moisture and develop deeper flavor and color.
  • Salt pasta water generously to prevent bland pasta; avoid adding oil to pasta water as it prevents sauce from adhering.
  • Test pasta a few minutes before package time to keep it slightly undercooked so it finishes in the sauce.
  • Parmesan cheese can be salty; taste the sauce before adding extra salt.

Keywords: spinach mushroom pasta, creamy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, easy dinner recipe, Italian pasta dish

Find it online: https://deliciousdishspot.com/spinach-mushroom-pasta-recipe/