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Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta (Easy Meatless Meal) - Weeknight Comfort

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8–12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 12 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small shallot or 1/2 onion, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
  • 1/2–3/4 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
  • 4–6 oz fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (or 1 tsp fresh thyme)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Lemon (for zest or a squeeze to brighten at the end)

Method
 

  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water, then drain.
  2. Brown the mushrooms: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add mushrooms in a single layer with a pinch of salt. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes, then stir and cook until browned and reduced, about 6–8 minutes total.
  3. Add aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Stir in shallot and cook 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze: Pour in white wine (or broth). Scrape up browned bits and simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Create the sauce: Stir in cream. Simmer gently 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with salt and black pepper.
  6. Add spinach: Fold in spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. It should shrink quickly.
  7. Toss with pasta: Add cooked pasta and half the Parmesan. Splash in reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and create a glossy, silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
  8. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Add remaining Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon or a little zest for brightness. Serve hot with extra cheese and cracked pepper.