Description
Delightful Spinach Mushroom Pasta blends earthy mushrooms with fresh spinach in a creamy sauce that whispers comfort. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a quick weeknight dinner you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1.5 cups sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
Protein and Dairy:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Seasoning and Extras:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, preparing to cook the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes depending on the type of pasta chosen.
- While the water heats, thoroughly wash spinach leaves and slice mushrooms into uniform, thin pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, finely mince the garlic, and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until they release their moisture and develop a rich, caramelized exterior, about 4-5 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjusting, and return the pasta to the pot.
- Fold the sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach leaves into the warm pasta, allowing the residual heat to gently wilt the spinach.
- Reduce skillet heat to low, pour in heavy cream, and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season the pasta mixture with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, tossing to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over the pasta just before serving, adding a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.
- Plate immediately, serving the pasta hot and garnishing with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Customize pasta type to suit dietary needs, like gluten-free or whole wheat options for added nutrition and texture variation.
- Enhance vegetable intake by increasing spinach quantity or adding extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more color and nutrients.
- Modify protein content by incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for a more substantial meal.
- Control sauce consistency using reserved pasta water, gradually adding to achieve desired creaminess without overwhelming the dish’s delicate flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg