Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Penne Pasta

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Penne Pasta, a decadent dish that brings together tender penne, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach in a rich, Parmesan-infused cream sauce. This 30-minute recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions, featuring a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Sautéed garlic and mushrooms create a savory base, while fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. The creamy sauce, made with heavy cream and melted Parmesan, clings to each piece of pasta for a luscious bite every time. Serve this hearty and satisfying vegetarian pasta with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or an extra grating of Parmesan for ultimate indulgence. It's a one-pan masterpiece destined to become a weeknight favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 count garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 6 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 quarts water for boiling pasta

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a generous pinch of salt and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and lightly browned.

Step 4

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted.

Step 5

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 6

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4921.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2898.3

Total Fat 162.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 82.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 382mg	0%
Sodium 2778.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 266.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.4g	0%
Total Sugars 4.6g
Protein 86.8g	0%

Vitamin D 22.7IU	0%
Calcium 1079.6mg	0%
Iron 19.3mg	0%
Potassium 1453.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.9%

Protein: 12.1%

Carbs: 37.0%