Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this garlic parmesan pasta with spinach and mushrooms! It’s one of my go-to weeknight dinners that never fails to impress. The rich, nutty flavor of parmesan pairs beautifully with the earthy mushrooms and the vibrant freshness of spinach. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a deliciously healthy choice! I remember the first time I whipped this up for a friend; we both couldn’t stop raving about how simple yet satisfying it was. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! It’s quick to make and feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Let’s dive into the details, shall we?
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms
Alright, let’s gather everything we need for this delightful dish! Here’s what you’ll be tossing together:
- 8 oz spaghetti – You can use regular or whole wheat, depending on your preference!
- 2 cups fresh spinach – Make sure it’s washed and ready to go; this adds such a lovely color and nutrients!
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms – I love using cremini or button mushrooms for their earthy flavor, but feel free to experiment!
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – The more garlic, the better, right? It adds that irresistible aroma!
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is the way to go for that creamy, cheesy goodness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This will help sauté everything to perfection!
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t be shy with these; they really enhance the flavors!
That’s it! Just simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.
- First things first, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. I usually go for al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside. You want to keep a little of that starchy pasta water if you can—it helps the sauce stick later!
- While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. The oil should shimmer a bit, which means it’s ready for action.
- Add your minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Just be careful not to let it burn—nobody likes bitter garlic!
- Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they’re nice and soft. Wow, the smell is already heavenly!
- Now, it’s time for the fresh spinach! Add it to the skillet and stir until it wilts down, which should only take about 2-3 minutes. You’ll see that beautiful green color pop!
- Finally, throw the cooked spaghetti into the skillet. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper over it, then give everything a good toss. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
And there you have it! A quick, tasty dish that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly flavorful with the rich combination of garlic and parmesan.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Loaded with fresh spinach and mushrooms for a nutritious boost.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- One pot means less cleanup—yay!
Tips for Success
To make sure your garlic parmesan pasta with spinach and mushrooms turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, be mindful of your garlic—sauté it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. If you love a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic for a subtle heat.
When cooking your mushrooms, let them sit in the pan for a minute or two before stirring; this helps them brown nicely, adding depth to the flavor. If you find the dish a bit too dry, don’t hesitate to add more olive oil or a touch of that reserved pasta water; it really helps to bring everything together!
Lastly, taste as you go! This way, you can adjust the seasoning to your preference. Happy cooking!
Variations of Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms
One of the best things about this garlic parmesan pasta with spinach and mushrooms is how easy it is to mix things up! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding in some roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness or throw in a handful of asparagus for that lovely crunch. You could even swap the spinach for kale or Swiss chard if you want to switch up the greens!
If you’d like to add some protein, grilled chicken or shrimp would be fantastic additions. For a vegetarian twist, consider tossing in some chickpeas or white beans for an extra boost of heartiness. And don’t forget about spices! A sprinkle of Italian seasoning or some fresh basil can elevate the flavors even more. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers of your delicious garlic parmesan pasta with spinach and mushrooms? You’re in luck! This dish stores really well. Just transfer any uneaten pasta into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. I always recommend letting it cool down a bit before sealing it up—this helps prevent any steam from making it soggy.
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze! Simply add the pasta to a skillet over medium heat. If it seems a little dry, drizzle in a bit of olive oil or a splash of water to help it come back to life. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through. You can also microwave it in a bowl, just remember to cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Enjoy your pasta again and savor every bite!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this garlic parmesan pasta with spinach and mushrooms! Each serving is about 1 cup and contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying meal without feeling overly heavy. You’ll also get around 10 grams of fat, with 3 grams being saturated fat, which is pretty decent for a creamy dish like this.
This recipe is a good source of protein, providing about 12 grams per serving, thanks to the parmesan cheese and mushrooms. Plus, you’re getting a nice boost of fiber—around 3 grams—thanks to the spinach and whole wheat pasta if you choose that option. Keep in mind, these values may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients you use, but overall, it’s a delightful dish that’s as wholesome as it is delicious!
FAQ About Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water in your dish.
What type of mushrooms work best? I love using cremini or button mushrooms for their flavor, but feel free to try shiitake or portobello for a different twist!
Can I make this dish vegan? Yes! Substitute the parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative and use olive oil instead of any butter.
How can I make this pasta gluten-free? You can easily swap out the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa.
How long does this pasta keep in the fridge? It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days in an airtight container. Just reheat and enjoy!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms Bliss
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic parmesan pasta with spinach and mushrooms is a flavorful dish that combines the richness of parmesan with the freshness of spinach and the earthiness of mushrooms.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until soft.
- Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet.
- Add grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option.
- Add cooked chicken for more protein.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan pasta, spinach, mushrooms, vegetarian pasta