Spinach and mushroom pasta is a delicious and nutritious meal that’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

It’s full of flavor and nutrients, making it a great option for those looking for a healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

This dish is not only tasty but also highly nutritious. Spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, while mushrooms are a good source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants

The combination of these ingredients makes spinach and mushroom pasta a healthy and satisfying meal that is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish.

Why is spinach a superfood?

Spinach is often considered a superfood because it is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here are some reasons why spinach is considered a superfood:

High in Nutrients: Spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, iron, and calcium.
Low in Calories: Spinach is a low-calorie food, which means that you can eat a lot of it without consuming too many calories.
Antioxidant Properties: Spinach contains powerful antioxidants, including flavonoids and carotenoids, which help to protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Spinach also contains anti-inflammatory compounds, such as kaempferol and quercetin, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to many health problems, including arthritis, cancer, and heart disease.
Versatile: Spinach is a versatile food that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, smoothies, and pasta dishes like spinach and mushroom pasta. This makes it easy to incorporate into your diet and enjoy its health benefits.

Cooking Time

Cooking: 15 minutes
Preparation: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Servings

2 servings

Ingredients list

3 tablespoons olive oil
7 oz mushrooms sliced
2 oz spinach, finely chopped
8 oz fettuccine pasta or any other long pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
Zest and juice of 1/2 lime
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese grated and more for serving
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt to taste

How to make Spinach and Mushroom Pasta

Begin by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil.
In a large skillet or saute pan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook half of the mushrooms until they are brown and starting to crisp, which should take about 3 minutes. Toss and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until all sides are browned, which should take approximately 5 minutes more.
Transfer the mushrooms to a plate and season them with salt. Repeat this process with the remaining tablespoon of oil and the other half of the mushrooms.
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, then add the spinach. Cook until it has wilted, which should take about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and return all of the mushrooms to the pan.
Add the fettuccine to the pan with the mushrooms, along with the heavy cream and 1 cup of boiling water. Turn the heat to medium and cook the pasta, tossing the ingredients constantly until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has slightly thickened. If needed, add more water.
Remove the pan from the heat and add lime zest and juice, parsley, parmesan, and black pepper. Toss everything together to combine. Taste the dish and season with more salt if necessary.
Serve the pasta in bowls and top each serving with more parmesan cheese to taste.

Notes

You can use a mix of different types of mushrooms to add more flavor and texture to the dish. Cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms are all great options.
If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach instead. Just thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet.
You can also add some other vegetables to the dish, such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers, for added nutrition and flavor.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-sliced mushrooms to save some prep time.
You can also make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta or spaghetti squash instead of regular pasta.

What to serve with

There are many delicious Italian dishes to serve along with mushroom and spinach pasta. You can serve Shrimp and Leeks Pasta with:

Storage

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To prevent the pasta from sticking together, toss it with a little bit of olive oil or butter before storing it.
Freezing cooked pasta is also an option. Place the cooked pasta in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, place the container in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of cold water for a few hours before reheating.

FAQs

Which mushroom is best for pasta?

Any mushroom can be great for pasta, but some popular choices include cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms.

Can I use frozen spinach for spinach and mushroom pasta?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach for spinach and mushroom pasta. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before using it in the recipe. You can thaw the frozen spinach by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or microwaving it on low power until it’s thawed. Using frozen spinach can be a convenient option and it still provides great nutrition and flavor to the dish.

Can I use milk instead of cream in pasta?

Yes, while cream is often used to add richness and creaminess to pasta dishes, using milk can be a lighter and healthier option.

To use milk in place of cream, you can simply swap out the cream for milk in your recipe. If you want to maintain some of the creaminess, you can add a tablespoon or two of butter to the milk, which will help to create a similar texture and flavor.

You can also thicken the milk by adding a small amount of flour or cornstarch to it before adding it to the pasta.

Follow Little Pans on Instagram to learn more delicious Italian inspired recipes.