Creamy Mushroom Spinach Penne Recipe

Introduction

This creamy mushroom spinach penne is a delightful and comforting pasta dish that’s simple to prepare. With tender mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, it makes for a satisfying weeknight meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and tender.
4. Step 4: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Step 6: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.
8. Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a cream alternative.
• Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Use baby kale or arugula instead of spinach for a different leafy green twist.
• Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added in place of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with various pasta shapes such as penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Use plant-based cream alternatives and vegan Parmesan cheese. Also, substitute olive oil or vegan butter as needed. The mushrooms and spinach provide plenty of flavor and texture.

Creamy Mushroom Spinach Penne Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 127 reviews

This Creamy Mushroom Spinach Penne is a delightful vegetarian pasta dish combining tender sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it comes together quickly with simple ingredients, delivering a luscious and satisfying meal.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces penne pasta

Vegetables

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
• 4 cups fresh spinach

Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to be combined later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and tender.
3. Add Spinach and Cream: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if desired.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy mushroom and spinach sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
5. Serve: Serve the creamy mushroom spinach penne hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
• Fresh mushrooms provide the best flavor, but canned mushrooms can be used in a pinch.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper gradually to suit your taste.
• Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give this dish a subtle spicy kick.

Keywords: creamy mushroom spinach penne, vegetarian pasta recipe, creamy pasta, mushroom pasta, spinach pasta, easy weeknight dinner, Italian pasta dish