Creamy Spinach Mushroom Penne Pasta: A Restaurant-Worthy Vegetarian Dish

Introduction

Indulge in this luxurious Creamy Spinach Mushroom Penne Pasta – a meatless masterpiece that’s rich, comforting, and packed with umami flavor. Imagine al dente penne tossed with golden sautéed mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce that coats every noodle perfectly. This elegant yet easy dish comes together in just 25 minutes, proving vegetarian meals can be just as satisfying as their meaty counterparts.

Why This Pasta Will Become Your New Favorite

Restaurant-quality with home cooking ease
Creamy without being heavy – perfectly balanced sauce
Packed with nutrients from mushrooms and spinach
Meal-prep friendly – reheats beautifully

The magic happens when the mushrooms release their earthy juices into the cream sauce, while the spinach adds freshness and color to every forkful.

Ingredients for Pasta Perfection

Main Components

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms (sliced)
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 shallot (diced)

For the Cream Sauce

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste

Chef’s Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Boil penne in salted water until al dente
2. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining

2. Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat butter and oil in large skillet
2. Cook mushrooms 5-6 minutes until golden
3. Add shallot and garlic, sauté 1 minute
4. Wilt in spinach until just softened

3. Make the Sauce

1. Pour in cream, bring to gentle simmer
2. Stir in Parmesan until melted
3. Season with nutmeg, pepper, and salt

4. Combine and Finish

1. Add drained pasta to skillet
2. Toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed
3. Garnish with extra Parmesan

Professional Tips for Best Results

Don’t crowd mushrooms – they’ll steam instead of brown
Add cheese off heat to prevent clumping
Use baby spinach – more tender texture
Undercook pasta slightly – it finishes in sauce

Serving Suggestions

Elegant Presentation:

• Serve in warm shallow bowls
• Garnish with fresh parsley
• Drizzle with truffle oil (optional)

Perfect Pairings:

• Crisp white wine (Pinot Grigio)
• Garlic bread
• Simple green salad

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the sauce (can break)
Using pre-shredded Parmesan (contains anti-caking agents)
Skipping pasta water (helps sauce cling)
Overcrowding the pan (mushrooms won’t brown)

Creative Variations

For Different Tastes:

• Protein boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp
• Vegan version: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast
• Extra earthy: Mix in wild mushrooms

FAQs

Q: Can I use half-and-half instead?
A: Yes, but sauce will be thinner – reduce longer.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate 3 days – reheat with splash of milk.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Not recommended – dairy sauces separate.

Q: What if I don’t have shallots?
A: Substitute with ¼ cup diced onion.

Conclusion

This Creamy Spinach Mushroom Penne Pasta proves meatless meals can be every bit as satisfying and flavorful as traditional dishes. With its luxurious texture, earthy mushroom flavor, and vibrant spinach, it’s a complete meal that feels special enough for date night yet easy enough for weeknights.

Final Chef’s Secret: For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when sautéing the mushrooms! The combination of creamy sauce, al dente pasta, and perfectly cooked vegetables creates a dish that’s comforting yet sophisticated.

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Penne Pasta: A Restaurant-Worthy Vegetarian Dish

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• Author: Lara Smith
• Total Time: 35 mins

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Description

Indulge in this comforting and delicious Creamy Spinach Mushroom Penne Pasta. It’s a perfect blend of creamy sauce, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach, making it an ideal weeknight dinner!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

12 oz penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

8 oz mushrooms, sliced

2 cups fresh spinach

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

 

Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms are tender and browned, about 7 minutes.

 

Make the sauce: Stir in the vegetable or chicken broth, heavy cream, and dried thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

 

Add spinach and cheese: Add fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

 

Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.

 

Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

 

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Notes

This Creamy Spinach Mushroom Penne Pasta is a delightful and easy meal that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, it’s sure to become a family favorite!