Sautéed Spinach Mushroom Pasta with Toasted Parmesan

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick weeknight meal featuring tender pasta coated in a simple spinach and mushroom sauce, topped with a crispy layer of toasted parmesan for a delightful crunch that kids adore. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs fusilli pasta, olive oil, sliced mushrooms for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 3.9 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot, add 8 oz fusilli pasta, and cook for 8 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup fresh spinach, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper; cook for 2 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained fusilli pasta to the skillet, toss to coat evenly, then transfer to a serving dish.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs over the top, and broil for 2 minutes until golden and crispy.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Spinach Mushroom Pasta with Toasted Parmesan 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 Spinach Mushroom Pasta with Toasted 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 fusilli pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Spinach Mushroom Pasta with Toasted 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 Sautéed Spinach Mushroom Pasta with Toasted 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 Sautéed Spinach Mushroom Pasta with Toasted Parmesan?

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.

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