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Creamy Mushroom Spinach Penne Recipe

4.9 from 138 reviews

This Creamy Mushroom Spinach Penne is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients with easy cooking techniques to deliver a deliciously smooth and savory meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach

Dairy and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Additional Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until they are golden brown and tender.
  3. Add Spinach and Cream: Stir fresh spinach into the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
  5. Serve: Serve the creamy mushroom spinach penne hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for additional protein.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free friendly.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby kale or Swiss chard for a different green flavor profile.

Keywords: creamy mushroom spinach penne, creamy pasta recipe, easy pasta with mushrooms and spinach, Italian pasta dinner, vegetarian pasta recipe