Creamy Mushroom Spinach Pasta a Weeknight Winner

Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Pasta: A Weeknight Winner

Ever crave that hug-in-a-bowl kinda meal? Well, let me introduce you to mushroom spinach pasta . This recipe is so easy, and honestly, the flavor is just spot on.

It's my go-to when I need something comforting and quick.

What’s the story with this pasta?

This dish screams Italy! It is Italian pasta recipes easy and a twist on a classic, bringing earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach together.

This recipe is a breeze, taking only about 35 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it serves four hungry people! Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together.

Why You'll Love This Mushroom Spinach Pasta

Honestly, it's good for you! Spinach packs a nutritional punch with vitamins and minerals. This creamy vegetarian pasta dishes recipe is perfect after a long day.

I promise, even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds. It's just that good! Think of it as upscale vegetarian comfort food recipes .

Let's Talk Ingredients!

Time to raid the fridge and cupboards, lads! You'll need about 450g of your fave pasta (fettuccine or penne work a treat), olive oil, 450g of sliced cremini mushroom pasta recipe , some garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Don't forget 140g of fresh spinach, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. We are going to make some pasta with mushrooms and spinach .

Quick Tip

Don't skip the fresh parsley at the end! It really brightens up the whole dish. Also, feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms.

Shiitake or oyster mushrooms would add a nice, earthy touch. You know, whatever tickles your fancy!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!

Ready to whip up some seriously good mushroom spinach pasta ? You got it! First, let's gather our ingredients. Trust me, having everything prepped makes life so much easier.

I learned that the hard way after a pasta sauce explosion. True story!

Essential Ingredients for Your Masterpiece

Here's what you'll need. It's not rocket science, promise!

• Pasta: 1 pound (450g) of your favourite shape. Fettuccine is classic, but penne or spaghetti works.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Extra virgin olive oil is a must, adds flavour.
• Cremini Mushrooms: 1 pound (450g) , sliced. Look for firm, plump mushrooms. The cremini mushroom pasta recipe relies on them.
• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Don't skimp on the garlic!
• Dried Thyme: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) . Adds a subtle, earthy note.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) . Seasoning is key.
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) . Freshly ground is best.
• Fresh Spinach: 5 ounces (140g) . Baby spinach is super convenient.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) . For that creamy goodness.
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (60g) , grated. Get the good stuff, please!

Spice It Up: Seasoning Notes

This garlic parmesan pasta wouldn't be complete without the right seasonings. Thyme is a winner. Salt and pepper are a given.

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Or, try a mushroom spinach pasta with thyme .

It's divine! If you're short on thyme, oregano works too. I love a good shortcut.

Gear Up: What You'll Need

Don't stress about fancy equipment. Keep it simple.

• Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For the sauce.
• Colander: For draining the pasta.
• Garlic Press (Optional): Makes mincing garlic a breeze. A knife will also do. For the best easy mushroom pasta recipe , these tools are all you need.

Now that you've got everything, let's turn these ingredients into something amazing. This creamy vegetarian pasta dishes will have everyone asking for more. What are you waiting for? Start cooking!

Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Pasta: A Weeknight Winner

Honestly, who doesn't love a good pasta dish? This creamy mushroom spinach pasta is my go-to vegetarian comfort food recipe when I need something quick, easy, and satisfying.

It's like a warm hug in a bowl, you know? A great spinach pasta weeknight dinner . This recipe is so simple.

Even if your cooking skills are basic, you'll nail it.

Prep Steps

Mise en place , darling! This is French for "everything in its place." Roughly translated, it means get everything ready before you start.

Slice your 1 pound cremini mushrooms . Mince those 4 cloves of garlic . Measure out your spices. Doing this saves so much time.

It also helps to avoid any uh-oh moments. Also, always wash your hands before you start cooking!

step-by-step: Mushroom Magic

1. Cook the pasta . Get a big pot of salty water boiling. Add 1 pound of pasta . Cook until al dente . That’s perfect! Don't forget to reserve about ½ cup of that pasta water!
2. Sauté the mushrooms . Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big pan. Over medium high heat, cook the mushrooms until browned and softened, about 5- 7 minutes . I love when they get that golden colour. It adds depth to the mushroom spinach pasta .
3. Add garlic and thyme . Toss in the minced garlic and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme . Cook for just 1 minute . Until you can smell it. Oh my gosh, garlic makes everything better!
4. Wilt the spinach . Add 5 ounces of fresh spinach to the pan. Cook until it wilts, about 1- 2 minutes .
5. Make it creamy . Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream . Simmer for 2- 3 minutes , until thickened.
6. Combine and serve . Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese . Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss in the pasta and a bit of that reserved water. Serve that dish right away, with more Parmesan.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta

Want to make this even better? First, don't overcook the pasta. Al dente is key for an awesome texture. For a deeper flavour, get a good sear on those cremini mushrooms pasta recipe .

This develops a deeper, more umami flavour. Taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Seriously, this easy mushroom pasta recipe is a game changer. It's one of those Italian pasta recipes easy enough to whip up on a busy night.

Plus, it's always a crowd pleaser. So give it a try and let me know what you think. I'm all for creamy vegetarian pasta dishes and this one is a winner!

Recipe Notes for Your Mushroom Spinach Pasta Masterpiece

Right, so you're about to whip up this mushroom spinach pasta . Ace! Here are some little tidbits. They will make it even more smashing.

Honestly, this easy mushroom pasta recipe is already a winner. But these tips? Next level!

Serving Suggestions: Fancy Pants or Casual Eats?

Listen, mushroom spinach pasta is pretty versatile. You can totally plate it up all fancy like. Think a twirl of pasta in the middle of a bowl.

A sprinkle of garlic parmesan pasta . A sprig of parsley. Sorted! Or, you know, just chuck it in a bowl and scoff it down while watching the telly.

No judgement here!

Fancy a bit on the side? Garlic bread is a classic. Also, a crisp green salad cuts through the richness nicely.

For drinks? A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio. Bellissimo ! That is also good with Italian pasta recipes easy .

Storage Tips: Leftovers? What Leftovers?

Okay, so maybe you made too much. Happens to the best of us. Pop that cremini mushroom pasta recipe in an airtight container.

Straight into the fridge. It will be good for about 3 days.

Freezing? Hmm, I wouldn't recommend it . The cream sauce can get a bit weird when it thaws. But if you must , make sure it's properly cooled first.

Then use a freezer safe container.

Reheating? Microwave is your best bet. Or a pan on the hob with a splash of milk. Just don't overdo it. No one likes soggy pasta .

Variations: Spinach Pasta Weeknight Dinner – Your Way!

Fancy switching things up? Go wild! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Also, I sometimes throw in some roasted veg like peppers or courgettes. Proper lush!

Veggie? Swap out the Parmesan for a vegan alternative. Easy peasy! Creamy vegetarian pasta dishes are where it's at. You can even add some chickpeas to get some extra protein in your mushroom spinach pasta with thyme .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

This pasta with mushrooms and spinach isn’t just delicious, it’s got some goodness going on too. Each serving clocks in around 550 calories.

You'll also get a decent hit of protein (25g) and fiber (5g). Plus, spinach is packed with vitamins.

It’s not exactly health food. But, hey, everything in moderation, eh? This vegetarian comfort food recipes is also good for the soul.

So there you have it! Everything you need to know to nail this recipe. Don't be afraid to experiment. Have fun.

That is all that matters! Honestly, once you've made this mushroom spinach pasta , you'll be making it again and again.

I guarantee it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this mushroom spinach pasta ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can definitely prep components ahead of time. Sauté the mushrooms and spinach, and cook the pasta separately. Then, when you're ready to eat, just combine everything with the cream sauce.

This is a great way to cut down on cooking time during a busy week almost like having your own Blue Peter moment, getting everything ready in advance!

What’s the best way to store leftover mushroom spinach pasta? Will it still be good the next day?

Absolutely! Store any leftover mushroom spinach pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, as it tends to thicken up overnight.

You can microwave it or gently reheat it in a pan on the stovetop just be careful not to overcook the pasta!

I'm not a fan of heavy cream. Is there a lighter substitute I can use in this mushroom spinach pasta recipe?

Of course! For a lighter sauce, you can use half and-half or even whole milk instead of heavy cream. Just keep in mind that the sauce won't be as rich and creamy, so you might want to add a tablespoon of butter for extra flavor and richness.

Alternatively, you could try a cashew cream sauce for a vegan alternative, though that’ll change the flavour profile a bit.

Can I add any protein to this mushroom spinach pasta to make it a more complete meal?

Definitely! This dish is a great blank canvas for adding protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp would be fantastic additions. For a vegetarian option, you could toss in some cannellini beans or chickpeas. Adding some crispy bacon is also a flavourful choice that will add some crunch.

What other vegetables could I add to this creamy mushroom spinach pasta?

The beauty of pasta is its versatility! Roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even some sautéed zucchini would all be delicious additions. If you’re feeling adventurous, a handful of peas or asparagus tips tossed in during the last few minutes of cooking can add a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Just remember to adjust the seasoning to taste!