This creamy pasta skillet is packed with fresh spinach and tasty mushrooms, all mixed with Parmesan cheese for a comforting meal. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy evenings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is fun for this dish, but you can use any pasta you like! Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti are great alternatives. Try whole wheat pasta for extra nutrients.
Mushrooms: Cremini or white mushrooms are fantastic here, but try portobello or shiitake for a stronger flavor. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, zucchini or bell peppers can work too.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is lovely, but you can use kale or frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw and drain frozen spinach well before adding.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan brings great flavor, but you can use Pecorino Romano or even a dairy-free cheese for a different twist.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sauté on My Mushrooms?
Sautéing mushrooms can seem tricky, but there are a few simple tips to get a beautiful, golden result:
- Use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding. This allows mushrooms to brown evenly.
- Heat the oil well before adding mushrooms. This helps them release moisture quickly, creating a nice sear.
- Avoid stirring too often! Let them sit for a couple of minutes to brown before flipping.
- Keep the heat at medium – too high can burn them, too low won’t cook off the moisture.
With these tips, your mushrooms will be tasty and perfectly sautéed!
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta skillet takes about 20 minutes—5 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Don’t forget to reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta!
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown and have released their moisture. This is where the flavor builds!
3. Flavor It Up:
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another minute, just until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Add Spinach:
Now it’s time to add the fresh spinach leaves. Toss them in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts down.
5. Combine Everything:
Next, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the mushrooms and spinach. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta cooking water—this helps create a light, flavorful sauce that clings to the pasta.
6. Cheese It Up:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts and everything combines beautifully. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a final stir!
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Cook everything together for another 1-2 minutes until it’s heated through and thoroughly mixed. Serve your pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if you’d like!
And that’s it! You now have a flavorful and easy Parmesan spinach mushroom pasta skillet to enjoy. Bon appétit!
FAQs for Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Different Pasta Types?
Absolutely! While farfalle works great, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, like penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! The recipe is already vegetarian since it doesn’t include meat. For a vegan option, simply replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and make sure to check that any pasta used is egg-free.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up as it may thicken in the fridge.
Can I Prepare It Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can cook the pasta and sauté the vegetables ahead of time. Keep them separate in the fridge and combine, adding the Parmesan cheese and cooking together just before serving for the best texture.
