Delicious spinach mushroom pasta recipe

This warm, comforting spinach mushroom pasta brimming with rich umami flavors from creamy mushrooms and fresh spinach is ideal for hectic weeknights or intimate date nights. It’s a healthy, straightforward recipe that takes less than 30 minutes of active cooking time. The dish is naturally vegetarian, vegan-friendly, and easily adaptable to be gluten-free.

Delicious and easy-to-cook spinach mushroom pasta

Every bite of this pasta bursts with delicious flavors from tender, juicy mushrooms, earthy spinach, and softly caramelized onions. It’s one of my favorite meals because it’s both satisfying and packed with the wholesome goodness of fresh ingredients. You can easily customize this dish by adding protein—such as stir-fried tofu or chicken—or extra veggies like broccoli, kale, zucchini, peas, arugula, or courgette.

With just a few simple pantry staples, you can whip up this luscious, creamy mushroom pasta that is vegetarian, kid-friendly, and adaptable to be dairy-free or gluten-free. Enjoy a quick and easy meal that works perfectly for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients what you need for this recipe

Dried Penne Pasta – 2 cups (or use any pasta variety of your choice): You can choose from a variety of pasta options for this recipe. Short pasta like penne, farfalle (bow-tie), or scialatielli works beautifully, as do long types such as tagliatelle, linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine. For a gluten-free version, simply opt for a gluten-free pasta variety. Keep in mind that cooking times may differ depending on the pasta’s shape and size, so always follow the instructions on the packaging for optimal results.

Spinach (chopped)- 2 cups: For this pasta dish, you can choose fresh spinach, baby spinach, or even frozen spinach. If you decide to use frozen spinach, simply thaw it completely and squeeze out any extra moisture before adding it to the recipe.

Mushrooms (cleaned & sliced)- 200 gms (7 ounces): There are the star of this pasta, providing a rich, meaty, umami flavor. You can choose white button, cremini, shiitake, portobello, porcini, or even a mix of varieties to elevate your dish. If you are using frozen mushrooms, make sure to thaw them and squeeze out any excess water first.

Cream or Coconut milk-1/3 cup to 1/2 cup: It adds a rich, velvety taste and smooth texture to the pasta. You can use heavy whipping cream, low-fat cream, or half & half based on your preference. If you prefer a cream-free or vegan version of the mushroom spinach pasta, simply substitute coconut milk.

Parmesan (grated)- 1/4 cup: Parmesan instantly enhances the pasta with its rich, nutty, and subtly salty flavor. If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute with vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast to achieve that satisfying cheesy taste.

Herbs: Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley perfectly enhance the flavor of mushrooms. I have used fresh rosemary and parsley in this recipe for a vibrant taste. If fresh herbs are not available, you can substitute them with their dried versions or use Italian seasoning instead.

Seasoning: The pasta is lightly seasoned with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to bring out its natural flavors. If you enjoy a spicier kick, you can also add red chili flakes for an extra burst of heat.

• Olive Oil- 2 tbsp
• Parsley (chopped)- 2 tbsp
• Rosemary (fresh or dry)- 1/4 tsp (optional)
• Italian seasoning- 1/2 tsp
• Crushed Black Pepper- 1/2 tsp (to taste)
• Salt-1 tsp (to taste)

Onion (diced)- 1 small

Garlic Cloves (minced)- 2

You can change the recipe to suit your personal taste and preferences

Instead of heavy cream, you can substitute low-fat cream or half-and-half. For a vegan version, use coconut milk and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast. The above quantities yield two servings, so you can double the recipe if you need to serve more people.

To prepare this pasta, start by sautéing the mushrooms in a pan until they are beautifully caramelized and a rich golden brown. Next, add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions become tender. Finally, deglaze the pan with some reserved pasta water to release the flavorful bits of caramelized mushrooms and onions.

After the mushrooms and onions are cooked, add the spinach and continue cooking until it wilts completely. Next, stir in the cream, Parmesan, and seasonings. Once the sauce is ready, combine it with the cooked pasta and some reserved pasta water, which helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.

In addition to the ingredients listed above, you may include extra vegetables such as zucchini, steamed broccoli, peas, or leafy greens like kale and arugula.

For a richer, creamier sauce, consider stirring in a bit of cream cheese into the spinach mushroom mixture.

To deepen the flavor profile, add 1/2 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to the pasta sauce.

Step-by-step instructions

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt, then add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Reserve 3/4 cup of the pasta water for later use. Meanwhile, begin preparing the sauce.

Heat olive oil in a pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add the sliced mushrooms, spreading them out in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. Allow them to cook for about 6-7 minutes until they turn golden brown, stirring occasionally for even browning.

Add diced onions and minced garlic to the mushrooms and stir gently. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions soften. If the mushrooms or onions begin to stick to the pan, add 1-2 tablespoons of pasta water to deglaze.

Add chopped spinach to the sautéed mushrooms and onions and stir gently to combine. Then, cook the mixture for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach begins to wilt.

Add the cream, chopped parsley, rosemary, Italian seasoning, crushed black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the pan. Stir thoroughly, and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken.

Add the boiled pasta to the sauce and, if needed, mix in 2-3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly. Then, taste the dish and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed. Finally, sprinkle extra Parmesan or chopped parsley on top before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. When you’re ready to reheat it, add a splash of water or pasta water and microwave for 40-60 seconds to restore its creamy texture.

Is it possible to prepare this pasta ahead of time?

You can prepare both the sauce and the pasta ahead of time by storing them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce in a pan and then add the pasta with a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Gently toss everything together and serve immediately. I recommend not mixing them too far in advance, as the pasta may absorb all the sauce.

Do you enjoy this recipe? Check out our other pasta recipes for more delicious meal ideas.