Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pasta

WRITER BYCassie

POSTEDSeptember 29, 2020

This creamy mushroom and spinach pasta is the ultimate vegetarian comfort food. Perfect for date night or Meatless Monday, it'll be on the table in 20 minutes total time!

I've yet to meet a pasta I didn't love, and this creamy mushroom and spinach pasta is no exception. This rich and creamy vegetarian spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food. It has just the right amount of veggies mixed in, so you can feel good about eating it, too.

It's also incredibly fast to whip up. It'll be on the table in a few minutes and is made with simple, everyday ingredients. Give it a try on your next date night—it's cheesy, carby, and creamy goodness!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Quick and easy weeknight dinner: This recipe is perfect for those nights when you need something tasty but don't have much time. It takes only 20 minutes total (with minimal prep time) and fits seamlessly into busy schedules.
Vegetarian comfort food: This warm, creamy pasta is without meat but packed with so much flavour! It's a filling and satisfying option for any day you're looking for a comforting vegetarian meal.
Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, like mushrooms, spinach, and garlic, yet the flavours come together beautifully to create a restaurant-quality dish.
Customizable: Try adding your own twist with different types of mushrooms or mixing in other greens like kale for variety. This recipe is easy to personalize!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED FOR THIS DELICIOUS MUSHROOM SPINACH PASTA

Here's what you'll need to make this creamy mushroom and spinach cooked pasta (full measurements are listed in the printable recipe card below):

Dried Spaghetti
Olive Oil
Brown / Yellow Onion
Garlic
White / Cup Mushrooms
Baby Spinach
Heavy / Cooking Cream
Parmesan Cheese
Salt & Pepper to taste

HOW TO MAKE CREAMY MUSHROOM AND SPINACH PASTA

Start by cooking the spaghetti al dente according to the packet instructions. While you boil pasta, prepare the sauce by heating a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms, then sauté them until the mushrooms are softened and the onion becomes translucent. Next, add garlic and sauté until it's lightly browned.

Lower the heat to medium-low and add a small spoon of pasta water to the skillet, followed by the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese.

Stir the mixture gently, allowing the cheese to melt, and blend with the cream. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it directly into the pan.

Toss in the fresh spinach as well, stirring everything together for a few minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens to coat the pasta. Serve your creamy mushroom and spinach pasta immediately, garnished with an extra sprinkle of parmesan or red pepper flakes for added flavour. Enjoy!

TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE

Salt your pasta water once it's boiling: Salting the water adds flavour, which is absorbed by the food. As a general rule of thumb, use 1 tablespoon salt for 1 pound (500 grams) of pasta.
Reserve some pasta water before draining: You'll use about ¼ cup to help bind the sauce and coat the pasta with a silky finish.
For the best flavour, use fresh parmesan: Grate from a block or buy finely shredded parmesan cheese from the store.
Substitute with other pasta shapes: If you don't have spaghetti on hand, you could always use another flat pasta, such as fettuccine, tagliatelle, pappardelle, or penne pasta.
Servings: This recipe makes 2 generous servings, but if you're serving sides, you could easily stretch it to 3.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE MUSHROOMS AND SPINACH PASTA DISH

To elevate this creamy mushroom and spinach pasta into a complete meal, consider pairing it with some delicious sides. Here are a few ideas:

Air Fryer Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce from your plate. The garlic-infused butter and crispy bread edges are a perfect match for this creamy pasta. Add a touch of parmesan on top for extra flavour.
Easy Bruschetta: Start the meal with a classic Italian bruschetta. Fresh tomatoes, basil, and a hint of garlic on a toasted baguette will add a bright, tangy flavour that balances the creaminess of the pasta. Plus, it's easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with any pasta dish.
Fresh green salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the pasta. Toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onions. Dress it with a simple balsamic or lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing side. Check my 35 Easy and Yummy Salad Recipes for more ideas.
Antipasto platter: An antipasto platter filled with olives, marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, and a few slices of Italian cheese adds a variety of textures and flavours to the meal. This is a great option for gatherings or date nights when you want a touch of indulgence.

HOW TO STORE SPINACH PASTA CREAMY MUSHROOM

Got leftovers? No problem! This pasta stores well, making it a convenient option for meal prep or quick next-day meals:

Leftovers: Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate. It'll keep fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the pasta cool to room temperature before sealing it to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
Freezing: Place the cooked pasta in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, let the pasta thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to revive the creamy texture, stirring until it's heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS FOR MUSHROOM SPINACH PASTA DISH

Feel free to customize this creamy mushroom and spinach pasta with different ingredients to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Mushroom varieties: Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as baby bella mushrooms (or cremini mushrooms), shiitake mushrooms, chanterelles, oyster mushrooms, or portobello mushrooms.
Spinach swap: If you're out of fresh spinach, try substituting it with other leafy greens like kale, arugula, or Swiss chard. Just be sure to cook heartier greens a bit longer until they soften.
Gluten-free version: To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the regular spaghetti for your favourite gluten-free pasta. Many options are available, such as brown rice pasta or gluten-free spaghetti made from quinoa or chickpea flour.
Vegetable broth for extra flavour: When mixing in the cream, consider using vegetable broth instead of pasta water. This will infuse the sauce with a rich, savoury depth.
Italian seasoning with extra herbs: For an authentic Italian flair, add a pinch of Italian seasoning or a blend of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil.
Protein additions: For extra protein, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu cubes. These can be cooked separately and tossed in with the pasta right before serving.
Vegan version: For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and substitute the parmesan for nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan substitute.