Description
This One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Sautéed garlic and mushrooms combined with fresh spinach, tender fettuccine, and a rich Parmesan cheese sauce come together in one pot for a quick, satisfying Italian-American vegetarian dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups baby spinach
Liquids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
Seasonings and Dairy
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant to infuse the oil with aromatic garlic flavor.
- Sauté mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until they become golden brown and tender, which enhances their savory richness.
- Add spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until it wilts, blending fresh green goodness into the dish.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in 2 cups of broth and 1 cup of milk, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir everything to combine well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer pasta: Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Finish with cheese and butter: Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons butter until melted and creamy, creating a luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Season and garnish: Season the dish with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and optional 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer; short pasta like penne or farfalle also works well.
- For added protein, toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute plant-based milk, butter, and cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
