This Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a quick and yummy meal! With creamy cheese, fresh spinach, and savory mushrooms, it brings comfort to your dinner table.
I love how everything cooks in one skillet—easy cleanup means more time for Netflix. Plus, who can resist gooey cheese? It’s like a warm embrace on a plate! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is perfect for catching that delicious sauce, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer! Try penne or rotini for a fun twist.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor, but you can substitute with butter or avocado oil if that’s more your style. Both will work nicely!
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms give a lovely depth of flavor, but white mushrooms are just fine. If you’re feeling adventurous, try shiitake or portobello for added taste.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is amazing here, but you can use other greens like kale or arugula. Just adjust cooking time until they wilt!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated makes a huge difference in flavor. If you’re dairy-free, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Sauce is Creamy and Well-Combined?
Getting that creamy texture is part of the magic of this dish! Here’s how to make sure it turns out perfectly:
- Cook the mushrooms until they’re nicely browned. This adds flavor and helps the sauce become less watery.
- Let the broth and cream simmer together briefly before adding the pasta. This helps thicken the sauce and blend the flavors.
- When adding the cheese, remove the skillet from heat. This prevents the cheese from clumping and helps it melt beautifully.
- Finally, toss the pasta thoroughly in the sauce. If it’s too thick, add a splash more broth or pasta water to loosen it up.
Following these steps will elevate your pasta skillet to creamy perfection!
Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (about 2 1/2 cups) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
For the Skillet:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare—from boiling the pasta to sautéing the veggies and whipping up that creamy sauce. Quick and easy, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the farfalle pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes around 10-12 minutes. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, mix in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell the garlic aroma!
3. Adding the Mushrooms and Spinach:
Now, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir them occasionally, allowing them to cook down and brown for about 6-7 minutes. Once they’re nicely browned and their moisture has evaporated, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and toss in the fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach just wilts—this will only take a couple of minutes!
4. Creating the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth along with the heavy cream. Stir everything together to combine the flavors and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Combining it All:
Time to bring it all together! Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so that the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends beautifully with the rest of the ingredients. Finally, taste and season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
6. Serving:
Serve this scrumptious pasta warm, garnished with a bit more Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!
Bon appétit! This one-skillet pasta meal is easy to make and delivers a burst of flavor with each forkful. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in!
FAQ for Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber, while gluten-free pasta can be used for a gluten-free option. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as different pasta types may require adjustments.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream for Something Lighter?
Yes! If you want a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. If using Greek yogurt, add it at the end and stir gently to prevent curdling.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens up.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize your skillet by adding other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just sauté them with the mushrooms to ensure they cook through and blend with the flavors!
