Bright, earthy, and lusciously creamy, this Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is what I crave when I need comfort food that comes together quickly but tastes absolutely gourmet. Each forkful delivers tender pasta tossed with juicy sautéed mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and a shower of melty Parmesan, all enveloped in a garlicky, buttery sauce. It’s one of those dishes that you want to eat straight from the skillet—perfect for cozy nights in or easy weeknight dinners. And guess what? It’s vegetarian, silky, and packed with flavor at every bite. If you love a meal that’s as satisfying to cook as it is to eat, you’re in the right place!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is all about simple, accessible ingredients coming together beautifully. Every component plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding texture, flavor, or rich color to the finished dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item is important:

Pasta (8 oz, such as penne or rotini): The heart of your skillet, this provides the perfect bite-sized shape for catching all that creamy sauce and veggies.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruitiness and keeps everything from sticking while it cooks.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Delivers irresistible richness and helps create a silky sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings a fragrant foundation, infusing the entire skillet with savory warmth.
Mushrooms (8 oz, sliced): Provide hearty, savory flavor and a satisfying texture—cremini, white button, or baby bella all work.
Fresh Spinach (4 cups): Adds lovely color and nutrients, wilting perfectly into the pasta for a pop of green.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning all the flavors just right.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and rounds out the savory profile.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For anyone who likes a little kick with their creamy pasta, this is your moment!
Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup grated): The star ingredient that melts in for a nutty, salty finish and helps thicken the sauce.
Reserved Pasta Water (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce creamy and silky, all thanks to its starchiness—don’t skip this step!
Chopped Parsley (for garnish): Lifts the dish visually and adds fresh, herbal notes right at the end.

How to Make Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and drop in your pasta of choice. Make sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks, and cook just until al dente, following the package directions. Remember to scoop out half a cup of the starchy pasta water right before draining; you’ll need this liquid gold for the creamy sauce later!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

As the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter has melted and everything smells a little toasty, toss in your minced garlic. Give it about 30 seconds—just enough for its aroma to bloom—then get ready for the veggies.

Step 3: Brown the Mushrooms

Add your sliced mushrooms to the skillet and spread them out so they get a good sear. Let them cook without stirring for a minute or so, then sauté for 5–6 minutes until they’ve released their moisture and picked up gorgeous golden color. They should smell meaty and delicious.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Pile in all that fresh spinach. At first, it may look like too much, but spinach wilts down dramatically as it heats. Stir gently, and in about 2–3 minutes, those leafy greens will melt right into your mushroom base, adding both nutrition and vibrant color.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Season your veggie mixture with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you crave a hint of spice. Then add your drained pasta directly to the skillet, pour in the reserved pasta water, and give everything a good toss. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to every piece of pasta.

Step 6: Make It Creamy with Parmesan

Turn off the heat and shower your skillet with grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and everything looks dreamy and glossy. The sauce will thicken just enough to coat the pasta and veggies without feeling heavy.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Dish out the hot Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet and finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for brightness. You’ve got dinner ready in one pan—simple, homey, and absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

A scattering of fresh parsley isn’t just for show—it brings a clean, herbal freshness that truly brightens up the rich flavors of your Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet. Want to take it up a notch? Add extra shavings of Parmesan or a quick twist of cracked black pepper for a beautiful finish.

Side Dishes

While the Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is filling enough as a main, it shines alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a wedge of crusty garlic bread for mopping up every bit of creamy sauce. If you want to round out the meal with more veggies, roasted cherry tomatoes or blistered green beans are perfect companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet family-style in the center of your table for a cozy, communal feel. Or, for a special touch, fill pasta bowls and top each with a poached egg for a silky, decadent upgrade. For a lunch party or potluck, try portioning into ramekins and broiling with extra cheese for a delightful gratin twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet? Lucky you! Let the pasta cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers a deliciously easy lunch option.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions if you need to. Be sure to cool everything to room temperature first, and use freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that the texture of the spinach and mushrooms may change slightly when thawed, but the overall flavor will still be wonderful.

Reheating

When you’re ready for a second helping, reheat the Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. Microwave reheating works too—just stir halfway through and sprinkle on a bit of extra Parmesan for creamy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Any short pasta shape like fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti works well for Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet. Just aim for shapes that hold sauce nicely, so every bite stays flavorful.

How can I add protein to make this a heartier meal?

You can toss in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even canned white beans for a boost of protein. Each option blends beautifully without overwhelming the core flavors of the Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet.

What type of mushrooms work best in this skillet?

Cremini, white button, or baby bella mushrooms all perform beautifully here. For richer flavor, try a mix! Just make sure they’re sliced evenly for even cooking and browning.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The dish will still capture the savory essence of Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet but with a plant-based spin.

Can I prep any components ahead for faster weeknight cooking?

Definitely. You can slice mushrooms, mince garlic, and even grate Parmesan in advance, storing each ingredient in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, you’ll have your Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet sizzling in no time!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet a spot in your regular dinner rotation. With its simple prep, rich taste, and that dreamy, cheesy sauce, it’s bound to become a beloved favorite for both quick weeknights and special occasions. Grab your skillet and dig in—you’re in for a treat!

Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a delicious and easy vegetarian dish that comes together in a single skillet in under 30 minutes. With a creamy Parmesan sauce, hearty mushrooms, and nutritious spinach, this pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)

Skillet:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
4 cups fresh spinach
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Sauté: In a skillet, heat oil and butter. Sauté garlic, add mushrooms and cook until browned. Add spinach and wilt.
Season and Combine: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add pasta and reserved water. Stir in Parmesan until creamy.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.