Sautéed Mushroom and Spinach Pasta with Lemon Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish with earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a bright lemon finish, ready in 25 minutes with minimal cleanup. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, mushrooms for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until golden and tender.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 oz fresh spinach and 2 minced garlic cloves, stirring until spinach wilts, about 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, zest and juice of 1 lemon, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta and thickens.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Mushroom and Spinach Pasta with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Lemon Zest?

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 Lemon Zest?

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 Lemon Zest 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 Sautéed Mushroom and Spinach Pasta with Lemon Zest 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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