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Spinach and Mushroom Pasta

This comforting dish features sautéed mushrooms and wilted spinach mixed with al dente pasta, creating a rich, umami-packed meal with a vibrant green and earthy brown appearance. The cooking process deepens their flavors, resulting in a tender, glossy, and satisfying final texture that clings to each strand of pasta.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta (e.g., spaghetti or linguine) salted water for boiling
  • 2 tbsp olive oil good quality extra virgin
  • 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms sliced evenly
  • 3 cloves garlic minced fine
  • 4 cups fresh spinach washed and trimmed
  • 1 tsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Deep skillet or sauté pan
  • Colander
  • Knife
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer, then toss in the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms turn golden brown and release their earthy juices.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with mushrooms. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should turn golden and fill the kitchen with a nutty aroma.
  4. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until it wilts down and turns a vibrant green. If the pan gets dry, add small splashes of reserved pasta water or olive oil to keep everything moist and glossy.
  5. Lower the heat to medium. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, allowing the flavors to meld. If needed, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture and create a glossy sauce that coats each strand of pasta.
  6. Finish by squeezing over the lemon juice, then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste, tossing again to distribute evenly. The dish should look glossy, with the greens and mushrooms well coated and the pasta glowing with flavor.
  7. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired. The pasta is tender, coated in a savory, earthy sauce, with bright green spinach and golden mushrooms making it visually appealing and delicious.