This Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a quick and tasty dish! It features creamy parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and hearty mushrooms, all mixed with your favorite pasta.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used farfalle for its fun shape, but you can swap it for any pasta like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just cook it according to package instructions and keep an eye on the cooking time!
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms are my favorite for their rich flavor, but white (button) mushrooms work just as well. You can also use sliced shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a twist!
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is best for this dish, but feel free to use kale or Swiss chard. Just make sure to cook them until they’re wilted and tender.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a creamy finish. If you want a dairy-free option, look for a plant-based cheese that melts well. Nutritional yeast is a great substitute for a cheesy flavor!
Olive Oil: For a different flavor, consider using butter or avocado oil instead of olive oil for cooking. Each adds its unique taste to the dish.
How Do I Get the Mushrooms Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking mushrooms properly is key to enhancing their flavor. Here’s how to do it well:
- Heat the skillet on medium and add oil before mushrooms to avoid sticking.
- Cook the mushrooms for 6-8 minutes; let them sit a bit before stirring. This helps them brown better!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you’ve got too many mushrooms, cook them in batches.
Keeping the mushrooms spread out allows excess moisture to evaporate, making them perfectly browned and delicious. Enjoy the rich flavor they bring to your pasta!
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups sliced cremini or white mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped onion or shallots
- Optional: 1/2 cup pasta water or vegetable broth (if needed to loosen sauce)
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 25 minutes for this recipe. This includes around 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. If you choose to use onions or shallots, add those first and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Then, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to be nicely browned and any moisture to evaporate.
3. Add Garlic and Spinach:
Once the mushrooms are browned, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until you can smell the garlic. Next, add the fresh spinach and keep stir-frying until it wilts, which should take about 2 minutes.
4. Combine with Pasta:
Now, add the cooked farfalle into the skillet with the sautéed mushroom and spinach mixture. Toss everything together to combine. If it seems dry, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water or vegetable broth to help loosen and create a small bit of sauce.
5. Add Cheese and Season:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the entire dish and stir until it melts and is evenly mixed. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is ready to be served! Transfer to plates and garnish with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes if you’d like. Enjoy your hearty meal!
This simple skillet meal marries the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the freshness of spinach, all made creamy with melted Parmesan, wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta. It’s delicious and satisfying!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is great for this dish, you can easily substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of pasta you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No problem! You can use frozen spinach instead. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet. You might want to reduce the cooking time since frozen spinach carries a lot of moisture.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a dash of water or broth if it seems dry. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring often.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can make it vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a plant-based cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast also works great for a cheesy flavor without dairy!
