When you’re craving a delicious, comforting meal that comes together quickly, this Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is the perfect solution. It’s a one-pan dish that’s not only easy to make but also packed with flavors, thanks to the savory mushrooms, fresh spinach, and creamy Parmesan cheese. Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful pasta dish.
1. Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta (your choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini or button mushrooms work well)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
- 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
- Red pepper flakes to taste (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta: Begin by cooking 12 oz of penne or rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Cook until al dente, which usually takes around 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Reserve pasta water: Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water. This can be used later to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté the mushrooms: Add 8 oz of sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Spread the mushrooms out in an even layer and let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes to allow them to brown. Once they start to turn golden, stir them and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they are soft and caramelized.
Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter quickly.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Add the spinach: Once the mushrooms and garlic are cooked, add the 5 oz of fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Stir the spinach into the mushrooms and garlic, allowing it to wilt. This should take only about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Add the broth: Pour 1 ½ cups of chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. The broth helps to create a light sauce that ties all the flavors together.
Season: Season the skillet with salt and pepper to taste. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes at this point.
Simmer the sauce: Let the broth simmer for about 3-4 minutes to slightly reduce and intensify the flavors.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Finish with Parmesan
Add the pasta: Once the sauce has simmered, stir in the cooked pasta. Toss the pasta in the skillet until it’s well coated with the mushrooms, spinach, and sauce.
Add the Parmesan: Sprinkle ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan over the pasta and stir it in. The Parmesan will melt into the sauce, creating a creamy and savory finish. If the pasta seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
Serve immediately: Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with additional grated Parmesan for extra cheesy goodness. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finishing touch.
2. Tips for the Best Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-grated versions. For the best results, always use high-quality, fresh Parmesan.
Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The starch from the reserved pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, giving it a silky, cohesive texture. Adding a splash of pasta water can also help adjust the consistency of the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Sear the Mushrooms: Allowing the mushrooms to sear and become golden brown adds a deep, savory flavor that elevates the entire dish. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the mushrooms to steam instead of brown.
Customize the Heat: If you enjoy spicy food, feel free to be generous with the red pepper flakes. For a milder version, you can omit the pepper flakes entirely.
Add Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon to the pasta. These proteins pair wonderfully with the savory flavors of the mushrooms and Parmesan sauce.
3. Variations of Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Creamy Mushroom Pasta: For a creamier version, add ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the broth before simmering. This creates a rich, luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Be sure to check the cooking instructions on the pasta package, as gluten-free pasta often requires different timings.
Vegan Version: To make this dish vegan, substitute the Parmesan with a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and opt for a plant-based pasta.
4. What to Serve with Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Garlic Bread: Serve the pasta with a side of crusty garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. The crunchy texture of the bread complements the softness of the pasta.
Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: For a more substantial meal, serve the pasta alongside roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus. The roasted flavors pair well with the earthy mushrooms.
Baked Chicken: If you want to add a protein-rich side, baked chicken breasts or thighs seasoned with herbs will complement the pasta dish perfectly.
5. Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing: Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to the pasta and warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the pasta to dry out.
This Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and creamy Parmesan, this pasta brings together simple ingredients to create a comforting and satisfying meal.
