Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet

Ready in 30 minutes or less • Vegetarian • Kids-friendly

This creamy, garlicky skillet pasta is loaded with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and plenty of Parmesan. It’s a quick one-pan dinner that feels comforting and restaurant-quality.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Pasta

• 12 oz (340g) farfalle (bow-tie) pasta (or any short pasta)

Main Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
• 1 lb (450g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button)
• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for mild heat)
• 5–6 cups fresh spinach
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• ½ cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins

• 2 tbsp cream or milk (for extra creaminess)
• 1 tbsp butter (for richer flavor)
• Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle according to package directions until al dente.
   Important: Before draining, reserve about ½–¾ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes so they get a nice golden color.
   Stir and continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes until they are browned and their moisture has evaporated. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Add Garlic & Chili
   Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (don’t let the garlic burn).
4. Wilt the Spinach
   Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until it wilts down (about 1–2 minutes).
5. Combine Everything
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
   Pour in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and the grated Parmesan.
   Toss everything together over low heat until the cheese melts and coats the pasta in a light, silky sauce.
   If it looks dry, add a splash more pasta water.
   Taste and adjust salt and black pepper.
6. Finish & Serve
   Turn off the heat. Optionally stir in a little butter or cream for extra richness.
   Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top and a sprinkle of chili flakes or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcrowd the mushrooms — cook in batches if needed for better browning.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting texture.
• The pasta water is key — it helps create a smooth sauce that clings to the pasta.
• Want it creamier? Add 2–3 tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.

Total Time: About 25–30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Perfect for: Weeknight dinners, vegetarian meals, or when you want something comforting without much effort.