This Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a quick and tasty dish! The creamy parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and savory mushrooms come together beautifully to make your taste buds dance.
I love how fast this meal comes together—just cook up the pasta and sauté the veggies! It’s a perfect way to enjoy a hearty dinner without a lot of fuss. Plus, who can say no to cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is perfect for this dish, but you can swap it out for any pasta you like! Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well, too. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the type you use.
Mushrooms: I prefer a mix of white and cremini mushrooms for their different flavors. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, try zucchini, asparagus, or even bell peppers for a different texture.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is best here for its mild taste. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and drain it first.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmigiano-Reggiano is my top choice for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Red Pepper Flakes: These add a nice kick! If you’re not into spicy food, feel free to leave them out or use black pepper instead for a milder dish.
How Can I Sauté Mushrooms Perfectly?
Sautéing mushrooms can be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you’ll achieve that beautiful golden color and concentrated flavor!
- Start with a hot skillet over medium heat. Make sure your pan isn’t overcrowded; otherwise, mushrooms will steam instead of brown.
- Add olive oil and let it heat for a moment before adding the sliced mushrooms.
- Cook the mushrooms without stirring too much for the first few minutes. This allows them to brown nicely. Stir occasionally.
- Season with salt after they start cooking, as it helps draw out moisture.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly sautéed mushrooms every time!
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (about 2 1/2 cups) dry farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped onion or shallots
- Optional: 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth (if needed to loosen pasta)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 25 minutes in total—10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (which means it should still have a bit of bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Remember to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. If you want to use onion or shallots, toss them in first and sauté until they are translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and nicely browned. Make sure to season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor!
4. Add Garlic and Spices:
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until you start to smell that delicious aroma!
5. Incorporate the Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until it’s wilted and bright green. Stir it in gently, making sure it blends well with the mushrooms and garlic.
6. Combine Everything:
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and mix everything well. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water or broth to help loosen it up.
7. Finish with Cheese:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently until the cheese melts and thoroughly coats the pasta and veggies. Yum!
8. Taste and Season:
Before serving, give it a taste! You can adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes based on your preference.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pasta warm with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling. Enjoy this quick, flavorful, and wholesome meal!
Now, sit down and relish the deliciousness of your Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet! 🥳
FAQ for Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is a great choice, you can substitute it with any pasta you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed according to package directions.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
This dish is already vegetarian if you skip the chicken broth! For a vegan version, simply replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast. It will still be delicious!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can mix in a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is tender but not overcooked.
