This Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a quick dish bursting with flavor. With creamy parmesan, fresh spinach, and tender mushrooms, it’s simple yet delicious!
I love how this recipe comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, you can enjoy it in under 30 minutes! Perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using bow tie pasta, but you can switch it up with penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if preferred. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it can vary.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms add a rich flavor, but plain white mushrooms or even shiitake can work wonderfully. If you’re looking for something different, sautéed zucchini or eggplant are great alternatives.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is best for this dish, but you can use frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is a must for that creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, try a nut-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Get Perfectly Sautéed Mushrooms?
Sautéing mushrooms is all about the technique! Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high heat before adding oil. This helps mushrooms sear instead of steam.
- Add sliced mushrooms in a single layer, giving them space. Avoid overcrowding the skillet—this ensures they brown beautifully.
- Let them cook for 4-5 minutes without stirring too much. When they start to brown, toss them gently with a spatula.
Remember, patience is key! If they’re sticking to the pan, wait a bit longer before adding more oil or stirring. Enjoy those perfectly caramelized mushrooms in your pasta dish!
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon 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 pasta cooking water (reserved)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta skillet takes about 10 minutes of prep time and roughly 15 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy dinner option ready in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, making sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Add Mushrooms and Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté everything together for about 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are nicely browned and tender.
4. Incorporate the Spinach:
Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted down beautifully.
5. Season the Mixture:
Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the spiciness to your liking!
6. Combine with Pasta:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything gently to combine. If you find the mixture a bit dry, don’t hesitate to stir in a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water.
7. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Remove the skillet from heat and generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss everything again until the cheese melts and coats the pasta beautifully.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes if you’d like.
This quick, flavorful meal is perfect for busy nights and is sure to satisfy your taste buds!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta (farfalle) works great, you can substitute it with penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No problem! If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep it from drying out.
