Sautéed Mushroom and Spinach Pasta with Garlic
A simple, aromatic pasta dish featuring earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach in a light garlic-infused sauce that coats every strand. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, medium, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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 spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely diced onion
- 8 oz, sliced cremini mushrooms
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 cups, fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta water
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, finely diced, and 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced, and cook for 5-7 minutes until mushrooms are tender and golden.
- Step 3: Add 3 cloves garlic, minced, to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 cups fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted and reduced in volume.
- Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese. Toss for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and sauce coats the pasta, adding more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Mushroom and Spinach Pasta with Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Sautéed Mushroom and Spinach Pasta with Garlic?
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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Mushroom and Spinach Pasta with Garlic?
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 Sautéed Mushroom and Spinach Pasta with Garlic 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 Sautéed Mushroom and Spinach Pasta with Garlic?
Italian pasta 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
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this sautéed are incredible.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many pasta recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
