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Creamy spinach mushroom pasta — 30-minute Parmesan pasta perfect for weeknights Pinterest recipe pin

Creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta

A quick, reliable pasta with browned mushrooms, wilted spinach, and a silky Parmesan-cream sauce that clings to every strand.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces dried fettuccine or linguine
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt for pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 12 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan divided
  • 6 ounces baby spinach about 6 packed cups
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest for brightness
  • Optional: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken variation

Equipment

  • 1 12-inch skillet
  • 1 8-quart pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 Colander
  • 1 Microplane or fine grater for Parmesan

Method
 

Prepare the pasta and reserve water
  1. Bring 6 quarts water to a vigorous boil, add 1 tablespoon kosher salt, then cook the pasta to 1–2 minutes before package al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
Sauté mushrooms
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat; add mushrooms in a single layer and brown undisturbed 3–4 minutes, then stir and cook until juices evaporate, about 4–5 more minutes; season lightly.
  2. Add minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Make the sauce
  1. Lower heat to medium, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream; cook 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  2. Turn off the heat and whisk in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, then add 1 to 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan until melted, creating a glossy sauce; add more reserved water 1–2 tablespoons at a time to reach desired consistency.
Wilt spinach and combine
  1. Quickly wilt spinach in a separate skillet with 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat for 30–60 seconds until bright and just softened; drain any excess liquid, then fold spinach into the sauce.
  2. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss vigorously to coat, adding up to 1/4 cup more reserved pasta water if needed; finish with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce; reserve at least 1 cup pasta water to adjust consistency. Wilt spinach just until bright and tender to avoid mushy texture. If the sauce splits, add a splash of hot pasta water off heat and whisk briskly.