This Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender pasta, fresh spinach, and hearty mushrooms mixed in a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s pure comfort food.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Farfalle Pasta: Bowtie pasta gives a fun shape and holds the sauce well. You can switch it up with any pasta you have on hand—penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti work great!
Mushrooms: White or cremini mushrooms are perfect for this dish, as they add depth. If you’re not a fan, you can use zucchini for a lighter touch or even canned mushrooms in a pinch.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for its tender texture. Frozen spinach can be used too; just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is ideal for flavor, but if you’re short on time, pre-grated can do. Nutritional yeast is a great vegan alternative that adds a cheesy kick.
Heavy Cream: This is optional for a creamy sauce. Substitute with milk or non-dairy cream, or skip it entirely for a lighter dish.
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Mushrooms Without Making Them Soggy?
Sautéing mushrooms properly is key to getting that rich flavor without the sogginess. Here’s how to do it:
- Ensure your skillet is hot enough; this helps mushrooms sear rather than steam. Use medium-high heat.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you add too many at once, they’ll release moisture instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Let them sit in the pan for a minute or two before stirring to achieve a lovely golden color.
By following these steps, your mushrooms will be perfectly sautéed and packed with flavor!
How Can I Keep My Spinach Bright and Fresh in the Skillet?
To ensure your spinach stays vibrant and doesn’t wilt down too much, here’s a simple trick:
- Add the spinach at the end of cooking. Just toss it in after the mushrooms and garlic have cooked, letting it wilt for just a couple of minutes.
- Cooking it quickly helps retaining its bright color and nutrients while still blending beautifully with your pasta.
This way, you’ll get that fresh taste in every bite!
Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Veggies:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1 small onion, finely chopped
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth (or pasta cooking water)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the pasta and veggies, then about another 10 minutes putting everything together. It’s quick, simple, and oh-so-good!
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 according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta, but save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water or broth for later!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. If you’re using onion, add it to the skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until it turns translucent. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their delicious juices.
3. Add Flavor!
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Then, toss in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, which should take about 2 minutes.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Once your veggies are ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in the reserved broth or pasta water along with the heavy cream (if you’re using it), and stir everything together. This is where the magic happens!
5. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring well until it melts into a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and veggies. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more broth to loosen it up.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Continue to cook everything together for another 1-2 minutes until everything is nicely heated through. Serve hot, and feel free to garnish with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick.
Enjoy this simple, healthy, and flavorful one-skillet dish that brings together the earthiness of mushrooms, the freshness of spinach, and the creamy richness of Parmesan with delightful bowtie pasta! 🍝✨
FAQ for Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as these types may vary.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’d like to skip the heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, milk, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or almond milk. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less rich!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! This recipe is quite flexible. Feel free to add any veggies you have on hand, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes. Just sauté them in the skillet along with the mushrooms.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to help loosen the sauce, or microwave until heated through.
