Hey y'all! If you love easy, comforting dinners that pack in veggies and flavor, you're going to adore this Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet with Parmesan. It's creamy, savory, and comes together in just 30 minutes—all in one pan! Whether it's a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend, this dish is delicious, hearty, and sure to please the whole family. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet with Parmesan
- One-pan simplicity means fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
- Perfectly creamy sauce clings to tender pasta for ultimate comfort.
- Loaded with nutritious spinach and earthy mushrooms for a wholesome bite.
- Ready in 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
- Customizable for vegetarian or protein-packed versions!
Ingredients for Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet with Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle work best)
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or oregano and basil blend)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Directions for Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet with Parmesan
Step 1: Sauté Mushrooms, Onion, and Garlic
Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and tender. Stir in the chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 2: Add Pasta and Liquids
Pour in the uncooked pasta, vegetable broth, and milk. Stir in Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Step 3: Simmer Until Pasta Is Tender
Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12–14 minutes or until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. If the skillet looks dry before pasta is cooked, add a splash more broth or water.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Parmesan
Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted into a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Notes for Perfect Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet with Parmesan
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese may not blend as smoothly (read more).
- For extra creaminess, swap half of the milk with heavy cream.
- Short pasta shapes work best for even cooking and sauce absorption (learn more).
Variations of Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet with Parmesan
- Add protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or sautéed shrimp at the end.
- Go vegan: Use non-dairy milk and swap out Parmesan for a plant-based alternative.
- Make it spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Required Equipment for Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet with Parmesan
- Large nonstick or cast iron skillet (12-inch recommended)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for Parmesan cheese
Storage Instructions for Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet with Parmesan
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the sauce may separate upon thawing.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet with Parmesan
- Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon.
- Top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet with Parmesan
- Let the skillet rest for a minute off the heat before serving for a thicker, creamier sauce.
- Don’t overcook the spinach; add it right at the end for the brightest color and best texture.
- Try whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a fiber boost (discover health benefits).
FAQ: Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet with Parmesan
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
- Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding to the skillet.
- What other cheese can I use besides Parmesan?
- Pecorino Romano or Asiago are great alternatives for a similar salty, nutty flavor.
- How do I prevent my pasta from sticking to the skillet?
- Stir frequently while simmering and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pan.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz (225 g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
Instructions
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1Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
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2In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and browned.
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3Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2 minutes.
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5Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss to combine and heat through. Season with salt and black pepper.
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6Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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