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Creamy Mushroom Spinach Penne Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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