This Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a warm bowl of comfort! With tasty mushrooms and fresh spinach mixed in with pasta, it’s both colorful and delicious.
Cooking this dish is a breeze! I love how the Parmesan cheese melts into the mix, making everything creamy and cheesy. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that feels fancy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle gives a lovely shape for this dish. You can swap it for any pasta you like, such as penne, rotini, or spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re using a different shape.
Mushrooms: I love using cremini mushrooms for their rich flavor, but you can also use white button mushrooms or even shiitake for a different taste. If you want a lower-carb option, try using cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Spinach: Fresh spinach works great here, but if you have other greens like kale or Swiss chard, they can also be used. Just ensure you cook them down, as they tend to take longer to wilt.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for maximum flavor. If you’re in a pinch, pre-grated Parmesan will work. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for a vegan option.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sauté on My Mushrooms?
Sautéing mushrooms right can enhance their flavor. Here’s how:
- Start with a hot skillet and enough oil to coat the bottom. This helps achieve that nice browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! If necessary, sauté in batches so that the mushrooms can brown rather than steam.
- Cook them undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring. This allows them to release moisture and start browning.
These steps help build a delicious depth of flavor in your dish. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prepare and cook the pasta, and about another 10 minutes to sauté the veggies and combine everything in a delicious skillet.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the farfalle pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to release their juices and begin to brown nicely.
3. Add Garlic and Seasoning:
Once the mushrooms are looking good, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
4. Wilt the Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir it around, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until it wilts down nicely.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Take the cooked pasta and gently toss it into the skillet with the mushrooms and spinach. Mix it all together so that everything is well combined.
6. Add Cheese and More Flavor:
Now, pour in the reserved pasta water and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is coated evenly—this is where the creamy magic happens!
7. Season to Taste:
Give it a taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Dish out your pasta skillet right away, and feel free to top with extra Parmesan and more red pepper flakes if you’d like a bit more kick. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!
This quick, one-skillet meal perfectly highlights the earthy flavors of the mushrooms and the freshness of spinach, combined with creamy, delicious Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your cooking!
FAQ for Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle works great here, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to your pasta’s instructions.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a fantastic substitute to achieve a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Otherwise, you can use any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano if you don’t have Parmesan on hand.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian as it contains no meat! It’s a hearty dish packed with nutritional ingredients like spinach and mushrooms, making it great for vegetarians and anyone looking for a healthy meal.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen it up if needed. You may want to add a little extra cheese while reheating for creaminess!
