This Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a quick and tasty meal! With creamy parmesan, fresh spinach, and hearty mushrooms, it’s comfort food at its best.
Making this dish is so simple—just toss everything in a skillet, and in no time, you’ll have a warm bowl of yum! I could eat it every day, and sometimes I do! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is great for this recipe, but you can swap it out for any pasta shape you have—penne, rotini, or even spaghetti works well!
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms add a rich flavor. If you can’t find them, button mushrooms are a fine substitute or even a mix of wild mushrooms for a little twist.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach gives a pop of color and nutrients. If you only have frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet.
Cheese: Parmesan adds a nice tang. Grana Padano is a good alternative. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Mushrooms for This Dish?
Cooking mushrooms properly enhances their flavor and texture. Start by making sure your skillet is hot enough before adding them; this helps to caramelize them and intensifies their taste.
- Use medium heat for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; if necessary, cook them in batches.
- Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring to get a nice brown color.
- Adding garlic too early can burn it, so add it after the mushrooms start browning. This gives a lovely flavor without bitterness.
Perfectly cooked mushrooms will be tender and slightly golden, making your pasta dish extra delicious!
Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (about 2 ½ cups) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 small onion, diced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 20 minutes to make from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 10 minutes cooking everything together. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
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. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. This is where all those yummy flavors will come together!
3. Sauté the Onion (Optional):
If you decided to use the onion, toss it into the skillet now. Sauté it until it’s softened, which should take about 3 minutes. The onion adds a lovely sweetness to the dish.
4. Add Garlic and Mushrooms:
Next, add the minced garlic and the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them together until the mushrooms are browned and tender, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; browning the mushrooms really enhances their flavor!
5. Stir in the Spinach:
Now, add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Give it a good stir until the spinach wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes. It will shrink down quite a bit!
6. Season It Up:
Once the spinach is wilted, stir in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning based on your taste preference for a little kick!
7. Combine with Pasta:
Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so that the flavors mingle nicely.
8. Finish with Parmesan:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Toss gently until the cheese melts and coats the pasta and the vegetables. This makes it rich and creamy!
9. Taste and Serve:
Finally, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it warm, and enjoy your delicious meal!
This recipe results in a flavorful, comforting pasta dish with tender mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and savory Parmesan, all tossed in a skillet—quick and easy for any night!
FAQ for Easy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is great for this dish, you can use any pasta shape you prefer such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian! To make it vegan, simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. You can also enhance flavors with extra spices!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the pasta and sauté the vegetables in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them right before serving. It’s best to eat within 2 days for optimal taste!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help revive the dish and prevent sticking.
