This Easy Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a tasty one-pan dish! With cheesy goodness, fresh spinach, and savory mushrooms, it’s perfect for a quick dinner.
I love that it all cooks in one skillet—less mess for me! Add some extra cheese on top, because who can resist? Trust me, it’s a family favorite! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Bowtie pasta is a fun shape for this dish, but you can swap it for any pasta like penne or fusilli if you like. They all work well with the sauce!
Mushrooms: I love using cremini mushrooms for their rich flavor, but white button mushrooms are a great substitute. If you’re in a pinch, canned mushrooms could also work, though fresh is best!
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a lovely color and nutrition boost. You can use frozen spinach too—just thaw it and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the skillet.
Cheese: Parmesan brings a strong kick, while mozzarella adds creaminess. If you’re lactose-free, try a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do You Sauté and Flavor Mushrooms Perfectly?
Sautéing mushrooms brings out their wonderful umami flavor, but knowing how to do it correctly can make a big difference. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a hot skillet—this helps mushrooms brown instead of steam.
- Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding the pan will trap moisture and make them soggy.
- Don’t rush! Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden and have released their moisture.
- Add garlic towards the end to avoid burning. It only takes a minute to become aromatic.
By following these steps, you’ll get perfectly sautéed mushrooms every time, adding amazing flavor to your pasta dish!
Easy Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (about 2 ½ cups) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
For the Skillet:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for slight heat)
For the Cheesy Goodness:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
To Taste:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta dish requires about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time, making a total of approximately 25 minutes to get it on your table. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to save about ½ cup of the cooking water before draining the rest. This will help us make a creamy sauce later!
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to start browning and releasing their tasty moisture.
3. Add Garlic and Spices:
Now, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté everything together for another minute until the garlic is fragrant. Careful not to burn it—just until it smells delicious!
4. Add the Spinach:
Next, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down and reduces in size. It adds such a nice vibrant color!
5. Combine the Pasta:
Now it’s time to add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine the pasta with the mushroom and spinach mix, letting those flavors meld together.
6. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the reserved pasta cooking water, and stir to create a light sauce. This helps bring everything together and makes the dish nice and creamy!
7. Add the Cheeses:
It’s cheese time! Stir in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese (if using), mixing continuously until they melt and cover the pasta evenly with cheesy goodness.
8. Season to Taste:
Give your pasta a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If it feels a bit dry, don’t hesitate to splash in some more reserved pasta water.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve your delicious cheesy pasta immediately! For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes on top. Dig in and enjoy this lovely meal!
Bon appétit! 🍝
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Other Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While bowtie (farfalle) pasta works wonderfully, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No worries! You can use frozen spinach as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw it, squeeze out excess moisture, and add it to the skillet when it’s time to mix in the pasta. Keep in mind that frozen spinach is more condensed, so use about 2 cups instead of 4 cups fresh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth for moisture if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian! To make it vegan, simply substitute the cheeses with dairy-free alternatives. Nutritional yeast is a great option for that cheesy flavor, and you can skip the mozzarella or use a plant-based version.
