One-Pot Mushroom and Spinach Pasta with Parmesan
A creamy yet light pasta dish made in one pot with mushrooms, spinach, and Parmesan, ready in under 25 minutes for a no-fuss dinner. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, sliced mushrooms, fresh spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 8 oz, sliced mushrooms
- 3 cups, fresh spinach
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (add 1/2 tsp salt). Add 10 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 3 cups fresh spinach until wilted.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, add 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, and the drained pasta. Toss for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time if too thick.
- Step 5: Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and additional salt to taste. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Mushroom and Spinach Pasta 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 Mushroom and Spinach Pasta 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 Mushroom and Spinach Pasta 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 Mushroom and Spinach Pasta 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.
What goes well with One-Pot Mushroom and Spinach Pasta with Parmesan?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Love how the Italian come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
