Pagliacci-Inspired Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pizza

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and creamy pizza with sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach atop a garlic cream sauce base, finished with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. This italian-inspired pizza (vegetarian) ready in about 32 minutes pairs ball (12 oz) pizza dough, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 475°F with a pizza stone inside for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, then slowly whisk in 3/4 cup whole milk. Cook, whisking constantly, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: In another pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 6 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes until golden and moisture evaporates. Add 1 cup roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook for 1 more minute until wilted.
  5. Step 5: Roll 1 ball of pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Transfer to a pizza peel dusted with flour.
  6. Step 6: Spread the garlic cream sauce evenly over the dough, then scatter the mushroom and spinach mixture on top.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 4 oz shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan evenly over the pizza.
  8. Step 8: Bake on the hot stone for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pagliacci-Inspired Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pizza take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 Pagliacci-Inspired Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pizza?

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 ball (12 oz) pizza dough from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pagliacci-Inspired Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pizza?

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 Pagliacci-Inspired Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pizza for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pagliacci-Inspired Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pizza 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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