Description
Creamy one-pot garlic parmesan pasta with spinach and mushrooms brings comfort directly to your kitchen. Rich Italian-inspired flavors blend seamlessly, creating a quick weeknight meal that satisfies serious pasta cravings without complicated preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 8 ounces (225 grams) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Finishing Ingredients:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a lightly shimmering cooking surface.
- Introduce minced garlic and diced onion, gently sweating them until they release their aromatic essence and become translucent.
- Incorporate sliced mushrooms, seasoning with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to enhance depth of flavor.
- Allow mushrooms to sauté, stirring occasionally, until they transform into a golden-brown, tender state and release their natural moisture.
- Pour uncooked pasta directly into the skillet, ensuring each piece becomes coated with the fragrant herb-infused oil and vegetable mixture.
- Add vegetable or chicken broth, creating a luxurious cooking liquid that will simultaneously cook the pasta and develop a rich, creamy base.
- Cover the skillet and simmer, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the pasta.
- When pasta reaches an almost-tender consistency, fold in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt and integrate seamlessly into the dish.
- Remove from heat and generously sprinkle grated parmesan cheese, stirring to create a silky, indulgent sauce that clings to every pasta strand.
- Let the dish rest momentarily, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken before serving hot.
Notes
- Swap mushrooms with zucchini or bell peppers for a different vegetable twist that keeps the dish fresh and colorful.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly without compromising on taste or texture.
- Add protein like grilled chicken or crispy chickpeas to transform this side dish into a hearty main course that satisfies larger appetites.
- Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley just before serving to boost flavor and create a restaurant-quality presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg