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Creamy spinach mushroom pasta served on a plate with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Pasta – Easy Vegetarian Dinner

Creamy spinach mushroom pasta made with tender mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich, silky sauce. A comforting vegetarian pasta recipe perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta & Vegetables:
  • 12 oz 340 g pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 12 oz 340 g mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • Creamy Sauce:
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg optional
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water as needed
  • For Serving (optional):
  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
    Pasta cooking in salted water in a large pot, with starchy pasta water being reserved for creamy spinach mushroom pasta
  2. Sauté the mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook 5–6 minutes until golden and tender.
    Golden sautéed mushrooms cooking in olive oil in a skillet on the stove for creamy mushroom pasta
  3. Add garlic and spinach: Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
    Fresh spinach and garlic added to sautéed mushrooms in a skillet, beginning to wilt
  4. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in heavy cream, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer gently 2–3 minutes.
    Creamy mushroom and spinach sauce simmering in a skillet with heavy cream and seasoning
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Stir in Parmesan until creamy.
    Cooked pasta tossed with creamy mushroom spinach sauce and Parmesan cheese in a skillet
  6. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.
    Creamy spinach mushroom pasta served on a plate with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd mushrooms; let them brown for best flavor.
  • Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
  • Add chili flakes for heat.
  • Stores well up to 2 days refrigerated.