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Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe

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3.8 from 4 reviews

A creamy and flavorful Spinach Mushroom Pasta recipe that combines sautéed garlic, cremini mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a rich half-and-half sauce, tossed with tender pasta and finished with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 6 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 pound Cremini mushrooms (cleaned and sliced)
  • 8 oz spinach
  • 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley (chopped)

Dairy & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2¼ cups half-and-half (or single cream outside the US)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pantry Items

  • 1 pound pasta (choose your favorite type)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a tablespoon of salt to enhance the pasta's flavor. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's just under al dente since it will finish cooking in the sauce.
  2. Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally and cook until they turn golden and tender, approximately 8 minutes.
  4. Wilt Spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet with the mushrooms, allowing it to wilt and blend into the mixture.
  5. Add Cream: Pour in the half-and-half and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce slightly thickens, about 4 minutes.
  6. Drain Pasta: Once the pasta is slightly undercooked, reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water then drain the pasta.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well combined.
  8. Adjust Sauce Consistency: Gradually add half of the reserved pasta water, tossing constantly until the pasta is well coated and finishes cooking. Add more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  9. Season: Taste and season the dish with salt and pepper as desired.
  10. Serve: Serve immediately, ideally with a light salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, use single cream if available instead of half-and-half.
  • Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like fettuccine or penne.
  • Reserve pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan delivers the best flavor and texture.
  • Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/spinach-mushroom-pasta-recipe/