Lemon-Garlic Mushroom and Spinach Pasta
A vibrant pasta dish with earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a bright lemon-garlic sauce that clings to every strand. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, cremini mushrooms for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz cremini mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until golden and tender.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Step 4: Add 1/2 cup fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until wilted.
- Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until cheese melts and sauce coats the pasta.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Mushroom and Spinach Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemon-Garlic Mushroom and Spinach Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Mushroom and Spinach Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon-Garlic Mushroom and Spinach Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Mushroom and Spinach Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My kids actually ate the spinach! This recipe is a win. Will make again.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The pasta was cooked just right and the flavors were amazing.
- ★★★★★
Loved this dish! The lemon and garlic really brightened up the mushrooms and spinach. Made for my husband and he loved it too.
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