This Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a quick and tasty meal! Creamy Parmesan cheese meets fresh spinach and sautéed mushrooms, making every bite delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Farfalle Pasta: This bowtie pasta holds sauce well and adds a fun shape to your dish. You can also use penne, fusilli, or spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms offer a deeper flavor, but white mushrooms are great too! If you’re looking for something different, you could use shiitake or even canned mushrooms in a pinch.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and adds nutrition. If fresh spinach isn’t available, try using frozen spinach – just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and has more flavor than pre-grated. For a substitute, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Perfectly Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms?
Sautéing garlic and mushrooms needs just a few tips for success:
- Use medium heat to prevent burning the garlic. Garlic cooks quickly, usually in about 30 seconds.
- Add mushrooms after the garlic. Cook them until they’re golden brown for that rich flavor, stirring occasionally for even cooking (about 5-7 minutes).
- Don’t crowd the pan! If it’s too full, mushrooms will steam instead of brown.
Follow these tips, and your mushrooms will taste deliciously earthy! You’ll have a wonderful foundation for your pasta dish.
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Veggies:
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- For Flavor:
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner! Just gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. You want it to be al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Before draining, be sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, as you will use it later for the sauce!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
Now, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and turn golden brown.
4. Add Seasoning:
Next, stir in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. This will give your dish a nice little kick! Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.
5. Wilt the Spinach:
After seasoning, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes until it’s just wilted and bright green.
6. Combine Pasta and Veggies:
Once the spinach is wilted, add the drained farfalle pasta to the skillet. Pour in the reserved pasta water and gently toss everything together to make sure the pasta is well-coated with the garlic and veggies.
7. Add the Parmesan:
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it’s melted and creates a creamy texture throughout the dish.
8. Final Touches:
Taste your pasta and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like, you can add more cheese or a pinch of salt. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious meal!
This delightful one-pan pasta skillet brings together the earthiness of mushrooms and the freshness of spinach, topped off with the creamy goodness of Parmesan. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is delicious for this recipe, you can substitute with any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast is also a great substitute that can provide a similar cheesy flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Just make sure to sauté them long enough to soften before adding the spinach and pasta.
