Name: Creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra‑virgin olive oil; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound Cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced; 2¼ cups half‑and‑half (or single cream); 1 pound pasta; 8 oz spinach; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons flat‑leaf parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

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I’m delighted to share this Creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta—a simple yet indulgent vegetarian dish featuring garlic, mushrooms, and spinach in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a go-to for satisfying meals during busy nights.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love the velvety Parmesan sauce that cloaks every bit of pasta, delivering a luxurious feel. The earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach add layers of flavor and a hint of wholesomeness. Plus, the recipe comes together quickly—perfect for busy evenings or leisurely weekends.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
I gather:

2 tablespoons extra‑virgin olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound Cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
2¼ cups half‑and‑half (or single cream outside the U.S.)
1 pound of pasta (my favorite kind)
8 oz spinach
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons flat‑leaf parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

directions

I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta just under al dente—knowing it will finish cooking in the sauce. While that’s going, I heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat, sauté the garlic until fragrant (about a minute), then add mushrooms with salt and pepper, cooking until they’re golden and tender (about 8 minutes). I toss in the spinach until it wilts, then pour in the half‑and‑half and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly (about 4 minutes). Once the pasta is ready, I reserve ½ cup of its water, drain it, and combine pasta with sauce, parsley, and Parmesan in the skillet. I toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce coats each strand beautifully. I taste and adjust with salt and pepper before serving immediately with an optional light salad and crusty bread.

Servings and timing

I found that this recipe yields 4 servings, with a prep time of 10 minutes and cook time of 15 minutes—so it comes together in about 25 minutes total.

Variations

I sometimes swap the mushrooms for a mix of wild varieties for deeper flavor. For a protein boost, I like adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp. If I’m out of spinach, kale or arugula works great. I’ve also made it with whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta and had delicious results.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I do it gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. For freezing, I portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze it for up to 3 months, then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

I can—just thaw it fully and squeeze out excess moisture before adding, to keep the sauce from becoming too watery.

Can I substitute the half‑and‑half?

Yes—I’ve used whipping cream, heavy cream, or even a mix of full‑fat sour cream and milk. The sauce stays rich and creamy.

What mushroom variety works best?

I prefer brown mushrooms like cremini, Baby Bella, or chestnut for their richer flavor, though white button mushrooms work fine too.

Any tips for cooking the mushrooms?

I take my time with them—letting the heat draw out moisture and develop color enhances their flavor significantly.

Should I add oil to the pasta water?

I don’t—adding oil can cause the sauce to slide off the pasta instead of coating it evenly.

Conclusion

I’m thrilled with how this meal balances rich, creamy comfort with an earthy freshness thanks to mushrooms and spinach. It’s effortless to make and full of flavor—one of those dishes that quickly becomes a household favorite. I hope it becomes one of my go‑to recipes for quick, cozy dinners.