Description
Savory spinach mushroom pasta delivers a delightful Italian-inspired culinary journey through earthy flavors and wholesome ingredients. Creamy, rich textures and robust herbs combine perfectly, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta
- 1 pound Cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 8 ounces (226 grams) spinach
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Flavor Enhancers:
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquid and Fat:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2.14 cups (536 milliliters) half and half or single cream (outside the US)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook 1 minute less than package instructions for perfect al dente texture. Drain pasta, reserving one cup of starchy cooking water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until aromatic without browning. Introduce sliced Cremini mushrooms in a single layer, allowing them to develop a golden caramelization before stirring. Season with salt and pepper to intensify mushroom flavor.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour half-and-half into the skillet. Gently simmer the cream with mushrooms for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Incorporate fresh spinach leaves, cooking until they wilt and release their vibrant green color into the sauce.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, velvety consistency. If sauce appears too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired texture. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Transfer drained pasta into the skillet, carefully folding to ensure each strand becomes coated with the creamy mushroom sauce. Use reserved pasta water to prevent sticking if necessary. Garnish with finely chopped flat-leaf parsley for a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Plate the pasta immediately while hot, topping with an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve and savor the rich, harmonious blend of earthy mushrooms, tender spinach, and creamy sauce.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, preventing dry or thick sauce.
- Choose cremini or white button mushrooms interchangeably for similar flavor profiles.
- Consider reducing cream for lighter version or substituting with vegetable broth for dairy-free alternative.
- Toast garlic briefly to enhance aromatic qualities without burning, maintaining delicate flavor nuances.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg