One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Spinach Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A velvety, restaurant-style pasta dish made entirely in one pot with earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a luxurious cream sauce—ready in 20 minutes. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, butter, small, finely chopped (1/2 cup) onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 3.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 8 oz penne pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
  2. Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms and 3 minced garlic cloves; cook for 5-6 minutes until mushrooms are golden brown and have released their liquid.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add drained 8 oz penne pasta and 2 cups fresh spinach to the skillet, tossing vigorously for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts and pasta is coated in creamy sauce. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Creamy Mushroom 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 One-Pot Creamy Mushroom 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 penne pasta from drying out.

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

Italian one pot 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.

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