One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Penne

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed 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 (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.

Prep: 8 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving

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Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves 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

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.
Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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.
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.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Penne take to make?

Total time is about 38 minutes (8 min prep + 30 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 One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Penne?

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 penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Penne?

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 One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Penne 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.

Is One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Penne vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.