Imagine a weeknight dinner that transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 30 minutes, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. This One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pasta is your secret weapon against boring meals, promising a creamy, luxurious dish that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or simply craving a comforting Italian-inspired meal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup cream
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are fresh and properly prepared. Slice mushrooms into uniform pieces, roughly 1/4 inch thick. Wash spinach leaves thoroughly and pat dry.
- Select a large, deep skillet or wide pot with a capacity of at least 4 quarts. Place it over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the pot and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown slightly. This will develop a rich, deep flavor.
- Pour in vegetable broth and uncooked pasta. Stir to ensure pasta is evenly distributed and partially submerged in liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Once pasta is almost al dente, pour in heavy cream and stir gently. Allow the sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Add fresh spinach leaves and stir until they wilt completely, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will help melt the cheese and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to further thicken. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Mushroom Mastery: Slice mushrooms uniformly to ensure even cooking and beautiful presentation. Pat them dry before sautéing to achieve a perfect golden-brown color.
- Pasta Precision: Use a wide pot to ensure even cooking and prevent pasta from sticking. Stir occasionally during the simmering process to distribute heat and liquid evenly.
- Cream Consistency: Add cream towards the end of cooking to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, silky sauce. The residual heat will help thicken the sauce naturally.
- Spinach Strategy: Add spinach leaves at the very end to preserve their bright green color and prevent overcooking. They'll wilt quickly in the hot pasta.
- Cheese Tip: Grate fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and melt-ability. Add it off the heat to prevent graininess and create a luxurious, creamy finish.
- Seasoning Secret: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end. The Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, so be cautious when adding additional salt.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 484kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 88mg
