Description
This One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Combining tender mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan sauce, the pasta cooks all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat
Dairy
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and tender, bringing out their rich umami flavor.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, half-and-half (or heavy cream), dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a boil to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the pot, making sure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Add more broth or water if necessary to keep the pasta covered during cooking.
- Add Spinach and Parmesan: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, stir in the fresh spinach and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the spinach has wilted and the cheese has melted, creating a creamy, luscious sauce that coats the pasta.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving immediately for the best flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth to keep this dish vegetarian or chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- If preferred, substitute half-and-half with heavy cream for a thicker sauce or with milk for a lighter option.
- Keep stirring occasionally while cooking pasta to prevent sticking or clumping.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a fresh citrusy contrast to the creamy sauce.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger groups; just use a bigger pot to ensure pasta cooks evenly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
