Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Penne Pasta
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Penne Pasta, a decadent dish that brings together tender penne, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach in a rich, Parmesan-infused cream sauce. This 30-minute recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions, featuring a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Sautéed garlic and mushrooms create a savory base, while fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. The creamy sauce, made with heavy cream and melted Parmesan, clings to each piece of pasta for a luscious bite every time. Serve this hearty and satisfying vegetarian pasta with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or an extra grating of Parmesan for ultimate indulgence. It's a one-pan masterpiece destined to become a weeknight favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 count garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 quarts water for boiling pasta
Instructions
Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a generous pinch of salt and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and lightly browned.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2898 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 162.8 g | 209% | |
| Saturated Fat | 82.3 g | 412% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 382 mg | 127% | |
| Sodium | 2779 mg | 121% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 266.4 g | 97% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.4 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 86.8 g | 174% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1080 mg | 83% | |
| Iron | 19.3 mg | 107% | |
| Potassium | 1454 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
