This creamy spinach mushroom pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender pasta coated in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh spinach, this dish offers a comforting yet wholesome bite. Whether you’re looking for a meatless dinner or a simple side dish, this recipe is sure to impress!
What Is Spinach Mushroom Pasta?
Spinach mushroom pasta is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish made with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that balances earthy mushrooms, vibrant greens, and rich, cheesy flavors. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick and easy dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Rich & Creamy – The Parmesan cream sauce makes this pasta extra indulgent.
- Vegetarian-Friendly – A great meatless meal packed with flavor.
- Customizable – Easily add protein like chicken or shrimp for extra heartiness.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Works as a comforting weeknight meal or a side dish for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (120 g) fresh spinach
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Add fresh spinach to the pan and cook until wilted.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Add red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Combine with Pasta
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
- Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions
- With Protein – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for extra flavor.
- With Bread – Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
- As a Side Dish – Pair with a grilled steak, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Freezing Instructions
- Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, as they can separate. However, you can freeze the pasta without the sauce and prepare the sauce fresh when serving.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta.
- Vegan Alternative – Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Spicier Version – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Lemon Twist – Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta for a bright, tangy flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! This recipe works well with spaghetti, linguine, or short pasta like rigatoni or farfalle.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream can be used instead, though the sauce may be less rich.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, cook the pasta fresh and prepare the sauce just before serving.
This creamy spinach mushroom pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that’s packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a quick dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or even a special occasion. Give it a try and let us know how you customize it to make it your own!
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Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This creamy spinach mushroom pasta is a rich and flavorful dish made with tender pasta, sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting vegetarian dinner.
Ingredients
-
12 oz (340 g) pasta (fettuccine or penne)
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
4 cups (120 g) fresh spinach
-
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
-
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
-
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
-
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
-
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
-
Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
-
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
-
Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
-
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
-
Add fresh spinach to the pan and cook until wilted.
-
Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese.
-
Add red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
-
Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Combine with Pasta
-
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
-
If needed, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Serve
-
Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
-
Enjoy with garlic bread or a side salad.
Notes
-
Pasta Choice: This recipe works well with fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
-
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream.
-
Vegan Option: Use plant-based cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
-
Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes for more or less heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: Approx. 500 kcal