This Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a quick delight! With tender mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a sprinkle of parmesan, it’s both tasty and colorful.
I love how this dish comes together in one skillet—less cleanup for me! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is great for this recipe, but penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well too. Choose whatever you have on hand for a fun twist!
Mushrooms: White or cremini mushrooms are perfect here. If you’re looking for a substitute, try baby bella mushrooms or even canned mushrooms in a pinch.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a lovely color and nutrients, but you can swap it for kale or arugula. If you’re using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it well first.
Parmesan Cheese: grated Parmesan is a must for that cheesy flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast is a great alternative that adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Stays Al Dente?
Cooking pasta perfectly is key to this dish! To achieve that ideal al dente texture, follow these steps:
- Use plenty of salted water in a large pot. You can use about a tablespoon of salt in the water for great flavor.
- Check the pasta package for cooking times, and set a timer. Start checking for doneness a minute or two before the stated time.
- When the pasta is cooked but still has a slight bite, quickly drain it—but don’t rinse it! Rinsing washes away the starch that helps the sauce cling.
Keeping some pasta water saves you from dry pasta later, and it helps the cheese melt beautifully into a creamy sauce!
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 2 1/2 cups) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and drained
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
Time Needed:
This quick meal takes about 20 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and sautéing the veggies, and the rest of the time bringing all the flavors together in one skillet!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, save 1/2 cup of the cooking water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become tender and golden brown.
3. Add Garlic and Spinach:
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant—be sure to stir often to avoid burning! Next, add the fresh spinach to the skillet, cooking until it wilts down (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Combine Everything:
Turn the heat down low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with that reserved pasta water. Toss everything together gently so all the ingredients are well mixed.
5. Finish it Off:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes over the dish. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss again until the cheese melts and creates a nice, light sauce that coats the pasta and veggies.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with a bit more Parmesan or red pepper flakes if you like a little extra heat. Enjoy your delicious and easy pasta skillet full of flavor!
This dish is not only simple to make, but it’s also wholesome and satisfying. Perfect for any night of the week!
FAQ for Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle works great, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but to make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. You’ll still get that delicious cheesy flavor!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No worries! You can replace fresh spinach with other leafy greens like kale or arugula. If using frozen spinach, make sure to drain it thoroughly after thawing to remove excess moisture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if needed.
