This Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a quick and tasty meal! With creamy parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and savory mushrooms, it’s a flavor-packed dish in one pan.
I love how simple this recipe is. Just cook the pasta, toss in the veggies, and watch everything come together. It’s hearty enough for dinner but light enough that I can have seconds without the guilt! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle adds a nice shape, but you can swap it for any pasta you have, like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Mushrooms: I like using cremini mushrooms for their rich flavor, but white button mushrooms work just as well. If you want to go wild, try shiitake or portobello for a meatier texture!
Spinach: Fresh spinach brings a vibrant color and nutrients. If fresh isn’t available, frozen spinach is a great option. Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before cooking.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, look for nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese. Pecorino Romano is a nice flavorful substitute too!
How Do I Sauté Mushrooms Perfectly?
Sautéing mushrooms can be tricky if you want that perfect golden color! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the mushrooms; this helps them brown instead of steam.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you add too many, they’ll release moisture and won’t brown nicely. Cook them in batches if needed.
- Stir them occasionally, but not too often—give them time to brown on one side before turning.
With these tips, your mushrooms will be deliciously golden and flavorful, enhancing the whole dish!
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
- Optional garnish: extra Parmesan, fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the pasta, plus another 10 minutes to sauté the mushrooms, garlic, and spinach. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Remember to reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. This will help to make your dish creamy later!
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and tender. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
3. Add Garlic and Spice:
Once the mushrooms are nicely browned, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes into the skillet. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic, which can turn bitter.
4. Incorporate Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir it into the mushroom mixture and cook until the spinach wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes. It will reduce significantly in size.
5. Combine Everything:
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the mushroom and spinach mixture. Toss everything to combine well.
6. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture. If it looks a bit dry, pour in a few tablespoons of the reserved cooking water to loosen the sauce and help the cheese melt nicely. Mix thoroughly to combine!
7. Final Touches:
Season your dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything together again and let it cook on low heat for another minute to let all those flavors meld together.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve your pasta immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your comforting Parmesan spinach mushroom pasta skillet!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is great in this recipe, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary based on the pasta shape!
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese can work well. Just keep in mind that these alternatives may alter the taste slightly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain creaminess, if needed.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose!
