This Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a quick, tasty meal packed with fresh spinach and mushrooms, all coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce. What’s not to love?
It’s like a hug in a bowl! I whip this up when I need comfort food fast. Just one skillet, and dinner is ready in no time. Perfect for busy nights! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Farfalle Pasta: This bow-tie pasta shape holds sauce nicely! You can swap it for other pasta types, like penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Mushrooms: I recommend white button or cremini mushrooms. If you prefer something different, shiitake or even portobello can work well! Fresh is best, but canned mushrooms can be used in a pinch.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder can be used—about 1/4 teaspoon is enough. But I love the taste of fresh!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is key for a bright taste. You can use frozen spinach here too; just make sure to drain it well before adding. Swiss chard or kale are good alternatives if you have them on hand.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is the way to go! If you’re out, pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a vegan option can work too.
How Do I Get the Mushrooms Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking mushrooms properly is crucial to achieving great flavor in this dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet on medium heat before adding oil. This ensures an even cook.
- Add mushrooms in a single layer to avoid steaming. They should sizzle when they hit the pan.
- Don’t stir too often at first! Let them cook until golden brown on the bottom (about 4-5 minutes) before flipping.
- Once they’re tender, add garlic and spices. This keeps everything flavorful and avoids burning the garlic!
With these tips, your mushrooms will be deliciously tender and golden, enhancing your pasta dish beautifully!
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) farfalle pasta (bow-tie pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped onion or shallots
- Optional: 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 25 minutes to prepare! You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the farfalle pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (tender but still firm). Once done, drain the pasta, making sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
2. Heat the Skillet:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. This will be where all the flavors come together!
3. Sauté Aromatics (Optional):
If you’re using onion or shallots, add them to the skillet now and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. This adds a lovely layer of flavor!
4. Cook the Mushrooms:
Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes. You want them to release their moisture and become tender and golden brown. This step is key for great flavor!
5. Add Garlic and Red Pepper:
Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for another minute until the garlic is fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
6. Wilt the Spinach:
Now, it’s time to add the fresh spinach. Toss it into the skillet and stir until it wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If you find it’s looking a bit dry, drizzle in some of that reserved pasta cooking water to help combine everything smoothly.
8. Mix in Parmesan:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese all over the pasta. Stir until the cheese melts and is well incorporated, creating a creamy sauce that wraps around your pasta!
9. Season and Serve:
Taste the dish and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Serve this delightful pasta immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan or more red pepper flakes if desired.
Enjoy every bite of this easy and comforting one-skillet meal filled with savory mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and delicious Parmesan goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is delightful, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary!
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast works well to add a cheesy taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance! Cook the pasta and sauté the mushrooms and spinach, then combine everything when you’re ready to serve. This makes for an even quicker dinner option!
