This Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a quick and tasty meal! With fresh spinach, savory mushrooms, and cheesy Parmesan, it’s a true delight for your taste buds.
Cooking this dish feels like a little party in my kitchen. Tossing everything together is so fun! It’s perfect for busy nights when I want something delicious without all the fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle gives a lovely shape and texture, but feel free to swap it for penne or fusilli if that’s what you have on hand. Gluten-free pasta can also work well if you’re avoiding gluten.
Mushrooms: I love using cremini for their rich flavor, but white button mushrooms are a great choice too. If you’re looking for a unique taste, give shiitake or portobello a go!
Spinach: Baby spinach is mild and tender, perfect for this dish. If you can’t find it, any fresh greens like kale or Swiss chard can work, though they may need a few extra minutes to cook down.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan really makes this dish shine! If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are tasty alternatives.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Spinach and Mushrooms Together?
Cooking spinach and mushrooms might seem simple, but timing is key! You want to make sure the mushrooms are well cooked before adding spinach. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by cooking the mushrooms for 5–7 minutes until they’re tender and brown. This brings out their best flavor.
- Add the garlic and red pepper flakes next. Cook just long enough for the garlic to be fragrant—around 1 minute.
- Then, stir in the spinach. It will wilt quickly in just 2–3 minutes, so keep an eye on it.
Using this order ensures that both ingredients are perfectly cooked, adding depth to your dish without losing any freshness!
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (about 2 1/2 cups) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
For the Skillet:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or white button)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water reserved
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to cook, so it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. In just about 25 minutes, you can have a comforting, cheesy pasta on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the farfalle pasta, cooking it according to package directions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, remember to reserve 1/4 cup of that yummy pasta water before draining the rest. Set the drained pasta aside for later.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
Next, grab a large skillet and pour in the olive oil. Heat the skillet over medium heat, and then add the sliced mushrooms. Stir them occasionally and let them cook until they start to brown and soften, which should take about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Spice:
Now it’s time to bring in the flavor! Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the mushrooms. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic smells heavenly and becomes fragrant.
4. Wilt the Spinach:
Throw in the fresh spinach leaves and stir. Keep cooking while stirring until the spinach wilts down, which will take just about 2–3 minutes. It’s going to look so vibrant and fresh!
5. Combine Everything:
Now introduce the cooked farfalle to the skillet, along with that reserved pasta cooking water. Toss everything together gently to combine. Let it cook for a minute or two to heat everything through and create a lovely sauce.
6. Add the Cheese:
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture. Toss again to mix the cheese in, letting it melt and coat the pasta beautifully.
7. Season and Serve:
Finally, season your pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve it warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat.
Enjoy this creamy, flavorful, and easy one-skillet pasta dish loaded with earthy mushrooms and nutritious spinach!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is a great choice, you can easily substitute it with penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the pasta type you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent alternatives that will still give you that cheesy flavor. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a savory kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of water if it seems dry.
Can I Add Other Veggies to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Just sauté them for a few minutes before adding the mushrooms to ensure they’re cooked through.
