Irresistible Creamy Mushroom And Spinach Pasta Recipe
The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Creamy Mushroom And Spinach Pasta at Home
If you’ve ever craved a deliciously rich and creamy dish that’s both comforting and satisfying, look no further than this Creamy Mushroom And Spinach Pasta. Bursting with earthy flavors from the mushrooms and fresh notes from the spinach, this dish is not only delectable but also incredibly easy to whip up in just 25 minutes. With a silky Parmesan cheese sauce enveloping each strand of linguine, it’s sure to impress your family or guests without breaking a sweat.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining, this pasta checks all the boxes. It’s vegetarian-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that’s packed with flavor. Say goodbye to bland pasta dishes; this recipe elevates your dinner game effortlessly!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mushroom And Spinach Pasta
– Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
– Rich and creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
– Versatile ingredients that are often found in your pantry.
– Packed with nutrients from spinach and mushrooms.
– Elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for everyday meals.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To make this creamy delight, you’ll need a few essential tools to get started:
– Large pot: For boiling the linguine until al dente.
– Skillet: For sautéing mushrooms and combining the sauce with pasta.
– Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
– Wooden spoon: For stirring the sauce and tossing the pasta without scratching your cookware.
– Colander: To drain the cooked pasta efficiently.
Preparation Tips
For perfectly creamy results, be sure not to overcook the pasta—aim for al dente texture as it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the sauce. Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for enhanced flavor, and don’t forget to toast those pine nuts; they add a lovely crunch that elevates your dish!
Ingredients for this Creamy Mushroom And Spinach Pasta
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 8-10 mushrooms (sliced)
– 2 garlic cloves (minced)
– 150 g linguine
– 1 cup cooking cream
– 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper
– 1/3 chicken stock cube
– 1/2 tsp dried basil leaves
– 1 cup baby spinach
– 2 tbsp pine nuts
– 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated plus extra for topping)
Creamy Mushroom And Spinach Pasta
Looking for a quick and satisfying vegetarian dish that bursts with flavor? Look no further than this creamy mushroom and spinach pasta! With a luscious Parmesan cheese sauce, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant baby spinach, this recipe is both comforting and delightful. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your linguine according to the package instructions. It’s best to time this so the pasta is ready just as your sauce is finished cooking. Make sure not to rinse the pasta afterward, as you want it to retain some of that lovely starch which helps the sauce cling beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
In a large pan, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them until they are golden brown and caramelized, which will take about 5-7 minutes. This step brings out their rich umami flavor, adding depth to your dish.
Step 3: Add Garlic
When your mushrooms are looking perfectly browned, it’s time to add the minced garlic. Stir it in and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant—just be careful not to let it burn! Burnt garlic can make your dish taste bitter, so keep an eye on it.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low before pouring in one cup of cooking cream. Stir in the crushed black pepper, crumbled chicken stock cube, and dried basil leaves. Let this mixture simmer for about 4-5 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. The aroma at this point will be absolutely divine!
Step 5: Incorporate Parmesan Cheese
Now comes the best part—adding flavor! Stir in a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese into your creamy sauce and watch as it melts into a silky texture. This will enhance the richness of your dish and create that creamy consistency we all love.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once your pasta is cooked and drained (remember not to rinse!), add it directly into the pan with the creamy mushroom sauce. Toss everything together gently until each strand of pasta is coated with that luscious sauce.
Step 7: Add Baby Spinach
Turn off the heat and fold in one cup of baby spinach into your pasta. The residual warmth will wilt the spinach just enough while keeping its vibrant color intact—plus, it adds a nutritious boost!
Notes
This creamy mushroom and spinach pasta is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to substitute different veggies like asparagus or zucchini if you have them on hand. Want more protein? Consider adding chickpeas or lentils for a heartier meal. To elevate flavor even further, try drizzling a bit of truffle oil over each serving or sprinkling in some red pepper flakes for a kick.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
– Overcooking garlic can lead to bitterness.
– Not timing your pasta with your sauce may result in cold noodles.
– Forgetting to reserve some pasta water can mean a less creamy sauce.
– Skipping out on toasting pine nuts can miss out on that delicious nutty flavor.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or extra cream over low heat to bring back that creaminess without drying out your pasta. If you’d like to freeze any leftovers, make sure they’re completely cooled first; they’ll keep well for up to two months.
Estimated Nutrition
– Calories: Approximately 520 per serving
– Protein: 18g
– Fat: 25g
– Carbs: 60g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap linguine with any pasta you prefer—spaghetti or fettuccine work wonderfully too.
What if I don’t have cooking cream?
You can substitute cooking cream with half-and-half or even cashew cream if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes while cooking or add sliced fresh chili peppers just before serving.
Conclusion
I hope you’re inspired to whip up this creamy mushroom and spinach pasta soon! It’s such an easy dish that packs loads of flavor into every bite. Don’t forget to share your thoughts after trying it—I’d love hearing how it turned out for you! Happy cooking!
Creamy Mushroom And Spinach Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the linguine according to the package instructions, ensuring it is ready as the sauce finishes cooking. Do not rinse the pasta.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add cooking cream, crushed black pepper, crumbled chicken stock cube, and dried basil. Let simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each strand.
- Turn off the heat and fold in baby spinach, allowing it to wilt slightly from the residual heat.
