One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Penne

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-25 · Updated 2026-04-25

This creamy penne pasta cooks in one pot with mushrooms and fresh spinach, delivering a comforting yet simple meal in under 40 minutes. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 38 minutes, pairs penne pasta, olive oil, cremini mushrooms, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and golden.
2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and add 12 oz penne pasta, stirring well. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 12-14 minutes until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
4. Step 4: Stir in 3 cups fresh baby spinach, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook for 3 more minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens slightly. Serve hot.