Indulge in Our Velvety Spinach & Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy spinach and mushroom pasta delight hits all the right notes.

Silky sauce coats every strand of pasta with rich, earthy flavors that dance on your palate.

Mushrooms add a deep, umami complexity that makes this dish truly irresistible.

Tender spinach weaves through the noodles, bringing a fresh, vibrant touch to each delectable bite.

The recipe comes together in just minutes, proving gourmet meals can be quick and effortless.

Comfort and elegance merge in this one-pan wonder that promises to become a cherished staple at your dinner table.

Dive into this culinary adventure and savor every luxurious spoonful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 5

Spinach Mushroom Pasta Ingredient Lineup

• Whole Wheat Pasta: Hearty and nutritious pasta that adds wholesome texture and complex carbohydrates to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth oil that helps sauté ingredients and creates a luxurious foundation for cooking.

• Mushrooms, Spinach: Earthy mushrooms provide meaty depth while spinach brings vibrant green nutrition and delicate flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses the dish with rich, pungent warmth and classic Mediterranean essence.

• Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ricotta offers silky smoothness while parmesan contributes sharp, salty complexity.
• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus notes that elevate the overall flavor profile and add refreshing tang.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the natural flavors of all ingredients.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element that introduces gentle heat and exciting kick to the pasta.

Kitchen Must-Haves for Pasta Night

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough water to cook evenly.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta after cooking.
• Large Skillet: Key for sautéing mushrooms, garlic, and spinach.
• Medium Bowl: Needed for mixing ricotta and parmesan sauce.
• Cutting Board: Used for slicing mushrooms and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Required for chopping garlic and slicing mushrooms.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and combine ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: Useful for measuring pasta water and ingredients.
• Grater: Needed to grate parmesan cheese and zest lemon.

How to Whip Up This Comfort Pasta Fast

• Pasta Preparation

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, seasoning generously with salt. Cook whole wheat pasta until perfectly tender, then drain while keeping some starchy water nearby.

• Mushroom Magic

In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil and transform sliced mushrooms into golden, caramelized treasures. Let them dance and develop deep, rich flavors.

• Aromatic Foundation

Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, creating a fragrant backdrop that whispers comfort and warmth. Lower the heat to coax out delicate notes.

• Green Embrace

Tumble fresh spinach into the pan, watching it gracefully wilt and meld with mushrooms and garlic, creating a verdant landscape of flavor.

• Creamy Symphony

Blend ricotta and parmesan in a bowl, seasoning with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and bright lemon zest. This luxurious mixture will become the soul of your dish.

• Final Harmony

Marry the pasta with mushroom-spinach mixture, then lovingly drape the creamy cheese sauce over everything. Gently fold ingredients together, using reserved pasta water to achieve silky perfection.

• Finishing Touch

Sprinkle lemon zest and optional crushed red pepper, adding a final crescendo of brightness and subtle heat to your culinary creation.

Variations for Extra Garlic, Cheese, or Spice

• Pasta Perfect Pointers: Mushroom Magic Secrets
• Mushroom Mastery: Select fresh cremini or shiitake mushrooms for deeper, earthier flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish's taste experience.
• Cheese Consistency Hack: Warm ricotta cheese slightly at room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother, more integrated sauce without lumps.
• Veggie Swap Strategy: Replace spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for different nutritional benefits and exciting taste variations.
• Quick Protein Boost: Toss in grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta for a protein-packed meal that transforms this vegetarian dish into a hearty dinner option.
• Herb Enhancement Trick: Sprinkle fresh basil, chopped parsley, or chives just before serving to add brightness and aromatic freshness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Serve with Wine or Simple Salad

• Elegant Dinner Party Plating: Serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan and a delicate lemon wedge on the side for guests to squeeze over their dish.
• Rustic Family-Style Presentation: Transfer the creamy pasta to a large ceramic serving platter, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and let everyone help themselves with warm crusty bread on the side.
• Healthy Side Companion: Pair the pasta with a crisp arugula salad dressed in light lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness and add a refreshing green element to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Choose a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc that complements the mushroom and ricotta flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Storage Advice for a Finish Every Time

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate any remaining sauce from pasta to maintain optimal texture.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creamy consistency. Avoid microwave heating, which can dry out the pasta and separate the sauce's smooth texture.
• Freezing Wisdom: While possible, ricotta-based sauces can slightly separate when frozen. If freezing, store in sealed containers for up to 1 month, understanding the texture might change upon thawing. Best consumed within 2 weeks for peak flavor quality.
• Portion Control Magic: Divide remaining pasta into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness and reduce food waste. This approach supports efficient meal planning and saves time during busy weekdays.

Silky Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy spinach and mushroom pasta delight brings Mediterranean comfort to dinner tables worldwide. Home chefs can craft this simple yet elegant dish with fresh ingredients and minimal cooking skills.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10.5 oz (300 g) whole wheat pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 7 oz (200 g) button mushrooms
• 5.3 oz (150 g) fresh spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 lemon zest
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Cook whole wheat pasta until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Carefully reserve a half cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Mushroom Transformation: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Introduce sliced mushrooms, allowing them to caramelize and develop a rich golden-brown complexion, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes until deeply colored and slightly crisp.
3. Aromatic Build-up: Lower skillet temperature and add minced garlic, releasing its fragrant essence for approximately 1 minute. Immediately incorporate fresh spinach, gently wilting the leaves until they collapse and integrate with the mushroom mixture.
4. Sauce Crafting: Create a velvety sauce by blending ricotta and parmesan cheese. Enhance with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and bright lemon zest. Adjust consistency using reserved pasta water, creating a smooth, clingy texture.
5. Final Assembly: Introduce drained pasta into the skillet, carefully folding it with the mushroom-spinach medley. Pour the ricotta-parmesan sauce, thoroughly coating each pasta strand. Ensure even distribution and optimal sauce coverage.
6. Finishing Touches: Garnish with additional lemon zest and optional crushed red pepper flakes for those seeking an extra flavor kick. Serve immediately while the dish maintains its optimal temperature and creamy consistency.

Notes

• Pasta Water Preservation: Reserve half a cup of starchy pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every noodle.
• Mushroom Caramelization Technique: Allow mushrooms to brown undisturbed for 5-7 minutes, creating deep, rich flavor through proper caramelization.
• Cheese Blend Balancing: Mix ricotta and parmesan carefully to achieve a creamy, tangy sauce that complements the earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach.
• Zesty Finishing Touch: Use fresh lemon zest to brighten the entire dish, cutting through the richness and adding a vibrant, fresh dimension to the creamy pasta.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg