This Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a tasty one-pan wonder! It combines hearty pasta with fresh spinach and juicy mushrooms, all topped with delicious Parmesan cheese.
You’ll love how quick it is to whip up this dish. Just sauté, mix, and enjoy! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in veggies. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle pasta gives a fun shape and texture, but you can swap it for penne, fusilli, or spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cooking times!
Mushrooms: I used white mushrooms, but cremini or even shiitake work great too. If mushrooms are not your thing, consider adding zucchini or bell peppers instead for some veggie goodness.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal for this dish since it wilts quickly. You can use kale or Swiss chard if that’s available too; just remember they might take a bit longer to cook down.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan provides a nice salty flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. Pecorino Romano is also a delicious substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a lovely aroma. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but fresh really shines in this dish!
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta just right is key for a great texture. Here are my tips:
- Always salt your water! It should taste a bit like the sea—this helps flavor the pasta as it cooks.
- Follow the package instructions for cooking time, but start checking for doneness about a minute early. You want it al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite when you taste it.
- Save a little bit of pasta water before draining—this starchy water can help create a silky sauce later on.
With these tips, you’ll have perfect pasta every time. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 8 oz (about 2 1/2 cups) farfalle pasta (bow-tie pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For The Vegetables:
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For The Sauce:
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for a richer finish)
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and cooking time. You’ll be enjoying your tasty pasta skillet in no time! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring 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. Before draining, be sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them while stirring occasionally until they are browned and tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Spinach:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Then, add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Stir the cooked pasta into the skillet with the mushroom and spinach mixture. Pour in the reserved pasta cooking water and, if desired, the butter. Gently stir everything together to create a light sauce that nicely coats the pasta.
5. Finish with Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture. Toss everything until the cheese melts and is well combined with the pasta and vegetables.
6. Season and Serve:
Finally, add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes if you want more spice! Serve your delicious pasta hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if you like.
Enjoy your flavorful, easy one-skillet meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
FAQ for Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses farfalle, you can substitute it with any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian/Vegan?
Yes! This dish is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply omit the butter and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for that cheesy flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to bring back moisture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. Just sauté them with the mushrooms to ensure they cook properly and blend well with the dish.
