This Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a breeze to make! It’s loaded with sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach, all mixed with pasta and topped with cheesy goodness.
This dish is perfect for a quick dinner after a long day. Plus, who can resist the smell of garlic and cheese wafting through the kitchen? It’s simply delicious! 💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used farfalle, which adds a cute shape to the dish. You can swap it for any pasta you like! Penne, or even spaghetti works great. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.
Olive Oil or Butter: Both options enhance the flavor, but I prefer olive oil for a lighter taste. If you want a richer flavor, butter is the way to go. You can also use a vegan butter substitute if needed.
Mushrooms: While I love using cremini for their deeper flavor, any mushrooms like white button or portobello will be tasty. If you’re avoiding mushrooms, try zucchini or bell peppers instead for a different but lovely texture.
Spinach: Fresh spinach brings a vibrant color and nutrients, but if you only have frozen spinach, that works too! Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan makes a big difference! However, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano, nutritional yeast (for a vegan option), or skip cheese altogether if you want a lighter dish.
How Do You Perfectly Sauté Mushrooms and Spinach?
Sautéing mushrooms and spinach is key to this dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding oil. This prevents the mushrooms from steaming instead of browning.
- Cook the mushrooms until all the water they release evaporates. This enhances their flavor and gives them a nice golden color.
- When adding spinach, stir frequently. It wilts down quickly in just a couple of minutes, so keep an eye on it.
- If the mixture seems dry at any point, feel free to add a little reserved pasta water to keep it moist.
Getting the cooking time right helps maintain the vibrant color and texture of your veggies. Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (about 2 ½ cups) farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
- For Sautéing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini)
- (Optional) 1 small onion, finely chopped
- For the Veggies:
- 4 cups fresh spinach (about 4 oz)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the Cheese:
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- (Optional) 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 20 to 25 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal or even a lovely weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. When done, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. If you’re using onions, add them first and sauté until they turn translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Now, add in the minced garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds. Be sure to keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn!
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
Next, toss the sliced mushrooms into the skillet. Cook them until they become tender and start to brown, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Add the Spinach:
Now it’s time to add in the fresh spinach and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir frequently as you cook everything together for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and vibrant.
5. Combine the Pasta:
Once the spinach is ready, add the cooked farfalle pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, and if you find the mixture too dry, add a little bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
6. Season and Add Cheese:
Season your skillet meal with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Remove from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts and beautifully coats the pasta and veggies evenly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the pasta into serving bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little extra kick. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meal!
This simple skillet pasta is not just quick; it’s packed with flavors and colors that will make it a hit at your dinner table. Happy cooking! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle works great, you can use any pasta you like, such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
This dish can easily be made vegetarian by replacing the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use olive oil instead of butter, and you’re all set for a vegan version!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
Don’t worry! You can use frozen spinach instead. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet. You could also substitute with other greens like kale or Swiss chard.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears dry.
