One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Penne Pasta
Tender penne pasta cooked in a garlicky, creamy mushroom sauce with fresh spinach, all made in one pot for a comforting weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, sliced cremini mushrooms for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 10 oz, sliced cremini mushrooms
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp optional red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 10 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 6-7 minutes until golden and any moisture evaporates.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and add 12 oz penne pasta, stirring to combine.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 4 cups baby spinach, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly, coating the pasta.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Penne 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 One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Penne 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Penne 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 One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Penne 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.
Is One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Penne Pasta 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.
