This Easy Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a quick and yummy dish! It’s packed with tender pasta, fresh spinach, and flavorful mushrooms, all coated in creamy cheese.
If you love cheesy goodness, this is for you! I whip it up on busy nights, and it’s ready in a snap—perfect for those “I just want comfort food” days. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle adds a fun shape to the dish. If you don’t have farfalle, any pasta like penne, rotini, or spaghetti works well. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Mushrooms: White and cremini mushrooms bring great flavor. If allergies or preferences steer you away, try using zucchini or bell peppers instead for a veggie twist.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is simple and nutritious. Frozen spinach can be a good alternative; just make sure to thaw and squeeze out extra moisture before adding it.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a creamy touch. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor too!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness, but feel free to swap it for butter or a different oil like avocado oil for cooking.
How Do You Get Creamy Pasta Without Overcooking It?
The trick to keeping your pasta creamy and well-cooked is mastering timing. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook the pasta just until al dente according to package instructions. It will continue cooking later.
- When adding it to the skillet, do so right after draining it. The heat from the pasta helps melt the cheese.
- Mix in the cheese and butter while the skillet is still warm. This helps create a creamy sauce as you stir everything together.
- If it seems too dry, a splash of pasta water or broth can help loosen it up and keep it creamy.
Easy Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
For the Skillet:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth (optional, for deglazing)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta skillet takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the pasta, and about 20 minutes for sautéing and combining everything. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. When it’s ready, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Mushrooms:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté them for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and start to brown.
3. Flavoring with Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Stir it around to release the delicious garlic aroma!
4. Adding the Spinach:
Now, reduce the heat to medium and add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir everything together and let the spinach wilt down, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
5. (Optional) Deglazing the Pan:
If you want an extra layer of flavor, pour in the broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift any browned bits. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
6. Combining Everything:
Add the drained farfalle pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well mixed.
7. Making it Cheesy:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter until the pasta is nicely coated and creamy. The heat from the pasta will help melt the cheese.
8. Final Touches:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve your delicious cheesy pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes if you like a bit more spice!
Enjoy your quick, cheesy, and veggie-packed pasta skillet! It’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is fun and cute, you can use any pasta type you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to package instructions!
What If I’m Not a Fan of Mushrooms?
No problem! You can substitute mushrooms with other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even asparagus. Just sauté them until they’re tender like you would with mushrooms for a delicious alternative!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply replace the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use olive oil instead of butter, and your pasta will still be creamy and satisfying!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back the creaminess.
