This Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a quick and tasty meal! With soft pasta, fresh spinach, savory mushrooms, and lots of gooey cheese, it’s sure to please everyone.
Making this dish is easy, and the one-skillet cleanup is a big win for me! Plus, I love how all those flavors blend together. Who can resist creamy, cheesy perfection? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is a fun shape that works well, but you can use any pasta you have on hand, like penne, rotini, or even gluten-free options. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms add a deeper flavor, but you can use white mushrooms or even shiitake for a different taste. If you’re not a mushroom fan, consider using zucchini or asparagus instead.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully, but if you only have frozen, that works too. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. Alternatively, kale can give you a heartier texture.
Cheese: Parmesan shines in this dish, but any hard cheese like pecorino or aged asiago can work well too. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
Olive Oil vs. Butter: I love the richness of butter, but olive oil keeps it lighter. Choose based on your taste preference or dietary restrictions.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Sautéed Mushrooms?
Sautéing mushrooms is essential for great flavor. To avoid sogginess, it’s best to cook them properly:
- Start with a hot skillet – this helps them brown and prevents steaming.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you’re making a big batch, do it in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Let them sit a moment before stirring; this creates a nice brown crust.
This step really enhances the mushrooms’ earthy flavor, making your pasta even more delicious!
Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
For the Skillet:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
- Optional: a splash of lemon juice or white wine for brightness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend 10 minutes boiling the pasta and sautéing the veggies, and just a few minutes combining everything together – perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes). Before you drain it, make sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. After that, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
In a large skillet, heat your olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to turn golden brown and release their moisture, which makes them nice and tasty!
3. Add Garlic and Spinach:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and, if you’d like some heat, add in the red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for another minute until it’s aromatic. Next, toss in the fresh spinach and stir everything together, cooking until the spinach is wilted (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Combine Pasta and Veggies:
Great! Now it’s time to bring it all together. Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with the mushrooms and spinach. Give it a good toss so everything is nicely mixed.
5. Create the Sauce:
Here’s where the magic happens! Slowly add the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, until you get a light sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
6. Add the Cheese:
Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep mixing until the cheese melts and everything is combined in cheesy goodness! Season this final dish with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like, add a splash of lemon juice or white wine for a bit of zing.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat and serve your delicious pasta immediately. For an extra treat, top it with more Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want some extra flavor.
This one-skillet dish is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach, all smothered in delicious, melty cheese. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute farfalle with any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just check the cooking time and adjust accordingly!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
For a vegetarian option, just stick to the ingredients as-is. For a vegan version, replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. Use olive oil instead of butter to keep it plant-based!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the mushrooms and spinach mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it, cook the pasta fresh, and combine everything together!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove with a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess, or microwave until heated through.
