This Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to whip up. With creamy cheese and fresh veggies, it’s a feast for your taste buds!
I love how the garlic and mushrooms make the kitchen smell amazing while it cooks. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, so the cleanup is a breeze—yay for less dishwashing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used bowtie pasta for its fun shape, but you can swap it for any pasta you have handy, like penne or rotini. Just follow the cooking times on the package for the best results.
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add a wonderful earthy flavor. If you’re not a fan, try using zucchini or eggplant instead. Canned mushrooms work, too, just rinse and drain them first!
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is my first choice for this dish because it wilts quickly and adds color. If you have frozen spinach, feel free to use it; just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the mix.
Parmesan Cheese: While grated Parmesan is essential for flavor, you could use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. They both add that cheesy taste!
How Do I Get the Mushrooms Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking mushrooms can be tricky, but to get that nice flavor and texture, follow these tips:
- Use Medium Heat: Start at medium heat to prevent burning. Too high and they’ll cook too fast.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give them enough room to cook. If your skillet is too full, they’ll steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if needed!
- Don’t Rush: Let the mushrooms cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and golden to really bring out their sweetness.
With these tips, you’ll have beautifully sautéed mushrooms that enhance your pasta dish perfectly!
Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (about 2 ½ cups) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
For the Skillet:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved from boiling pasta)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 20 minutes in total—10 minutes to cook the pasta and 10 minutes to prepare the skillet mix. It’s a quick and delightful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, make sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until they soften, release their moisture, and start to brown.
4. Season the Mixture:
Stir in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. This will give your dish a bit of spice and flavor!
5. Add the Spinach:
Now, add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down and is nice and tender.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Once the spinach is wilted, return the cooked bowtie pasta to your skillet. Pour in about half of your reserved pasta water, stirring it all together to combine. This will help make a luscious sauce.
7. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir well to melt and mix evenly into your dish. If you want a creamier sauce, add more pasta water as needed.
8. Optional Extra Flavor:
If you’d like to elevate the richness of the dish, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter at this stage.
9. Final Seasoning:
Give the dish a taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes based on your preference.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the pasta while it’s hot, and don’t forget to garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for that extra pop of flavor!
This one-skillet meal is simple, hearty, and packed with delightful flavors—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
FAQ for Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute bowtie pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to follow the cooking times listed on the package!
Can I Substitute Fresh Spinach with Frozen Spinach?
Yes! If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet. This will prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can definitely mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for added flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the mushrooms before adding the spinach!
