This Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a quick and tasty meal! With tender pasta, fresh spinach, and yummy mushrooms, it’s perfect for any day of the week.
I love how creamy it gets with the Parmesan cheese—it really brings everything together. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll have more time to enjoy your dinner! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I chose farfalle for its fun shape, but you can swap it for any type you have on hand, like penne or fusilli. Just keep an eye on cooking times since different pasta shapes may vary.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a great pop of color and nutrients. If you only have frozen, just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the skillet. Kale is another good substitute!
Mushrooms: I love using cremini mushrooms for their robust flavor, but white mushrooms work just as well. If you want a different flavor, try shiitake or even canned mushrooms in a pinch.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs a punch! If you’re out, garlic powder can also be used, but start with about 1/4 teaspoon, since it’s more concentrated.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, consider nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste, or use a non-dairy cheese alternative that melts well.
How Do I Get My Mushrooms Perfectly Cooked?
For flavorful, hearty mushrooms, cooking them well is key. Here are my tips to get that perfect texture:
- Heat your skillet before adding mushrooms—this helps them brown nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary. If there are too many mushrooms, they’ll steam instead of sear.
- Let them sit for a minute without stirring, then give them a toss. This way, they’ll develop a nice golden color.
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (about 2 1/2 cups) farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, packed
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 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
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes in total! You’ll spend about 10 minutes on preparation (chopping and measuring) and another 10 minutes cooking. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once bubbling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente (tender but still has a little bite). Don’t forget to reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before you drain the rest!
2. Sautéing the Mushrooms:
While your pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 5-6 minutes until they become golden and tender. This brings out their excellent flavor!
3. Adding Garlic and Spinach:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes with the mushrooms. Let it cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing! Now, toss in the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, which should take about 2 minutes.
4. Bringing It All Together:
Now, it’s time to combine everything! Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the mushrooms and spinach. Pour in the reserved pasta cooking water to create a nice light sauce and toss everything together to mix.
5. Final Touches:
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix it all up so the cheese melts and everything is coated deliciously.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately. If you like, you can garnish with extra Parmesan and a few more red pepper flakes for added kick. Enjoy your hearty, easy, and delicious meal!
Bon appétit! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is great for this recipe, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Spinach?
If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can substitute it with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the skillet to avoid a watery dish.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or additional olive oil to help restore creaminess, and heat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian, and to make it vegan, simply use a plant-based butter substitute and omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
