One-Pot Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Penne with Parmesan
A rich and creamy pasta cooked in one pot with sautéed mushrooms and spinach, finished with Parmesan for a comforting vegetarian meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, fresh baby spinach, cremini mushrooms, sliced 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden and their moisture evaporates.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and add 12 oz penne pasta along with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-14 minutes until pasta is tender and liquid reduces to a creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Stir in 5 oz fresh baby spinach and 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2 more minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts, coating the pasta with a silky sauce. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Penne with Parmesan 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 Spinach and Mushroom Penne with Parmesan?
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 Spinach and Mushroom Penne with Parmesan?
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 Spinach and Mushroom Penne with Parmesan 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 Spinach and Mushroom Penne with Parmesan 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.
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