This Easy Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a quick and yummy dish! It combines tender pasta, fresh spinach, and mushrooms, all topped with gooey cheese.
Who knew cooking could be this simple? I love how it’s a one-skillet meal, which means less mess to clean up—perfect for busy weeknights! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Farfalle Pasta: I love using bowtie pasta because it holds sauce well and looks fun on the plate. If you don’t have it, feel free to swap in penne, fusilli, or whatever pasta you have on hand—you’ll still be happy with the dish!
Mushrooms: White or cremini mushrooms both work great here. If you’re not a mushroom fan, try zucchini slices or even bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is light and adds a lovely color. If you only have frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives that cheesy, rich flavor. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, nutritional yeast can serve as a nice substitute to provide a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps cook the ingredients. Canola or avocado oil can be used instead if that’s what you have in the kitchen.
How Do I Get the Spinach Perfectly Wilted Without Overcooking It?
Adding spinach is quick and easy, but timing is key to avoid mushy greens. Here’s how to sauté it just right:
- Once the mushrooms are tender, add spinach a handful at a time. This helps it wilt evenly.
- Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it’s just wilted. You want it to still be vibrant green!
- Remove from heat as soon as it’s done; if you leave it too long, it’ll lose color and texture.
Easy Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (about 2 ½ cups) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
- 5 oz fresh spinach (about 5 cups loosely packed)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
- Optional: 1 small onion, diced (for extra flavor)
- Optional: 1 tbsp butter (for richness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare. Within this time, you’ll cook the pasta, sauté the veggies, and toss everything in one skillet. It’s quick, straightforward, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Before you drain the pasta, make sure to reserve ½ cup of the cooking water. This will help create a creamy sauce later. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. If you’re using the optional onion, now’s the time to add the diced onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown. Their flavors will really bring the dish to life!
3. Add Spinach and Seasoning:
Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes and stir to combine. Then, add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring constantly until it wilts down. This shouldn’t take long—just a couple of minutes!
4. Combine Pasta and Cheese:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the drained pasta back to the skillet and toss everything gently to combine. Lower the heat to medium-low, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to help melt the cheese and create a yummy light sauce. If you decided to use butter, add it in now to make everything even richer.
5. Final Touches:
Mix everything together thoroughly, making sure every piece of pasta is coated with delicious cheese, spinach, and mushroom goodness. If it feels a bit dry, just add more of that reserved pasta water until you reach that creamy consistency. Finally, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
6. Serve Up!
Dish the pasta out hot onto plates and, if you like, garnish with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of chili flakes. Enjoy your Easy Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet—it’s packed with flavor and super comforting!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta instead of Farfalle?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great option and adds more fiber to the dish. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as whole wheat pasta may take a minute or two longer to cook than white pasta.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or use the microwave.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Skillet?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli would all complement the dish. Just sauté them along with the mushrooms for best results!
Is There a Vegan Option for This Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Additionally, you might use a plant-based butter or oil instead of regular butter if you’re avoiding animal products.
