Velvety Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Pasta
A luxurious pasta dish with earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a luscious garlic-cream sauce that coats every strand. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, sliced cremini mushrooms, fresh spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 8 oz, sliced cremini mushrooms
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 medium, finely diced shallot
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup, finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz penne and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced shallot and cook for 2 minutes until soft, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in 3 cups fresh spinach until wilted.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, then stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly, then stir in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Step 5: Add drained penne to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Velvety Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Velvety Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Pasta?
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 Velvety Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Pasta?
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 Velvety Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Pasta 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 Velvety Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Pasta?
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
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
