Creamy Mushroom Spinach Penne Recipe
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.
- Author: Mick
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- 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