This creamy pasta skillet is a breeze to whip up! With lovely spinach, hearty mushrooms, and a cheesy sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s both tasty and filling.
It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting without the fuss. I love making extra because it tastes even better the next day—if there’s any left! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used farfalle for its fun shape, but you can swap it with any pasta you have like penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time if using different shapes!
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms add great flavor, but white mushrooms work too. If you want a more gourmet touch, try shiitake or portobello. Dried mushrooms rehydrated in hot water are a great flavorful alternative!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best, as it wilts nicely, but frozen spinach (thawed and drained) can work in a pinch. Kale is another solid option, though it may need a bit longer to cook until tender.
Parmesan: Grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, Pecorino Romano provides a similar sharpness. Nutritional yeast is a fabulous dairy-free option for a cheesy flavor!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Mushrooms?
To achieve deliciously cooked mushrooms, heat your skillet to medium and avoid overcrowding the pan—this helps them brown properly instead of steaming. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by adding olive oil. Heat it until shimmering before adding mushrooms.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper as they cook. This brings out their natural flavors.
- Cook them without moving them too much for the first couple of minutes. This allows a nice golden color to form.
- Flip and stir occasionally until they’re tender and golden brown (around 5-7 minutes).
This technique helps build that rich umami flavor in your dish!
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta
For the Skillet:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
Optional:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter for extra richness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 10 minutes sautéing the ingredients. It’s a quick, easy meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the farfalle pasta in a pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before you drain it. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. If you want to add more flavor, toss in the chopped onion now and sauté until it turns translucent, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the minced garlic and let it sauté for 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Season them gently with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and tender—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Spinach and Seasoning:
Once the mushrooms are ready, stir in the fresh spinach and sprinkle on the red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture until the spinach wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine Everything Together:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together nicely. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce and give it another good toss.
6. Add Cheese and Butter:
Take the skillet off the heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (and butter if you’re using it), and taste to adjust your seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is ready to serve! Plate it up immediately and feel free to garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or some more red pepper flakes for a bit of kick.
Dig in and enjoy your delicious and comforting meal—it’s quick, healthy, and so flavorful!
FAQ for Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for the farfalle. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times according to the package instructions, as different pasta types may vary in cook time.
What Can I Use Instead of Spinach?
If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use other greens like kale or Swiss chard. Just chop them into smaller pieces and cook them a bit longer until they’re tender. Frozen spinach can also work—just ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and excess water is squeezed out.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or oil if it seems dry!
Can I Add Protein to This Dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even cooked chickpeas can make a great addition for some protein. Just cook them separately and toss them in with the pasta before serving for a fulfilling meal.
