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- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta - 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced - 5 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Fettuccine pasta forms the base of this dish. It has a smooth texture that pairs well with creamy sauces. Next, we have cremini mushrooms. Their earthy flavor adds depth to our pasta. Fresh spinach brings a bright green color and a slight crunch. The heavy cream creates a rich, silky sauce, while Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty taste. - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped Nutmeg has a warm, sweet flavor. A small amount enhances the cream sauce. Salt and pepper bring out the taste of the ingredients. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh taste on top. These simple seasonings make all the difference in your dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} Boiling and Draining First, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. When the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander. Reserving Pasta Water Before draining, remember to save about 1 cup of that pasta water. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta later on. Sautéing Aromatics Now, take a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small onion, finely chopped. Sauté it for 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another minute until the garlic smells great. Cooking Mushrooms and Spinach Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes. They should brown and release moisture. After that, add 5 cups of fresh spinach. Stir it in until it wilts down, which takes about 2 minutes. Creating the Cream Sauce Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to mix everything. Next, add in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget to add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes. It should thicken slightly. Mixing Pasta and Sauce Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta well so it is fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water. Add a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Plating Suggestions For serving, place the creamy mushroom spinach pasta in individual bowls. Garnish with more Parmesan cheese and some fresh chopped parsley. For an elegant touch, sprinkle a pinch of fresh black pepper on top. Pair it with crusty garlic bread for a complete meal! Adjusting Thickness To get the right thickness for your sauce, use the reserved pasta water. Start by adding a little at a time. If the sauce is too thick, just mix in more water. For a creamier sauce, let it simmer longer. The heavy cream adds richness, so keep an eye on the texture. Flavor Enhancements You can boost the flavor in many ways. Add a splash of white wine for depth. A squeeze of lemon can brighten the dish. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also add a lovely taste. Do not skip the nutmeg; it adds warmth and pairs well with the mushrooms. Aldente Tips Cook the fettuccine until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Follow the package instructions but check a minute early. The pasta will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce. Timing for Fresh Ingredients Add the spinach at the right time. It wilts quickly, so stir it in just before the cream. This keeps the spinach vibrant and fresh. Sauté the mushrooms until they are golden brown to enhance their flavor. Garnishing Tips For a beautiful plate, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. A little grated Parmesan adds a nice touch, too. You can also add a twist of black pepper for a pop of color. Pairing Suggestions Serve this pasta with crusty garlic bread for a perfect meal. A light salad can balance the richness of the dish. Consider a crisp white wine for a nice drink pairing. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture of your pasta dish. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, consider using half-and-half or adding more vegetable broth instead of using all heavy cream. Save the Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water can help bind the sauce to the pasta, so always reserve some before draining. Experiment with Cheese: For a different flavor profile, try adding a mix of cheeses like goat cheese or feta along with the Parmesan. {{image_2}} Gluten-Free Options If you want a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good options that taste great. Look for pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. They cook well and hold sauce nicely. Dairy-Free Alternatives For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a nut-based cream. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. These changes keep the dish creamy and tasty. Different Pasta Types While fettuccine is a classic choice, feel free to try other pasta types. Penne or rigatoni can work well too. They catch sauce nicely, making every bite flavorful. You can even use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for extra nutrition. Seasonal Vegetables Mix in seasonal veggies to change the dish with the seasons. In spring, add asparagus or peas. In autumn, try roasted squash or kale. These swaps keep your meal fresh and exciting. Protein Options Want to add protein? Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs well with this dish. You can also use sautéed tofu for a plant-based option. Just add it to the skillet when you mix in the pasta. Different Cheese Choices While Parmesan is a favorite, experiment with other cheeses. Feta or goat cheese can add a tangy taste. You can also try a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. These choices bring new dimensions to your creamy pasta dish. Refrigeration Guidelines You can keep leftover creamy mushroom spinach pasta in the fridge. Use an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about three days. Be sure to let it cool before sealing. Freezing Tips Freezing is another option if you want to store it longer. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to two months. For best results, avoid freezing it with the sauce. Instead, freeze the pasta and sauce separately. Best Methods for Reheating To reheat, use the stovetop or microwave. For the stovetop, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to heat evenly. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to prevent hot spots. Tips for Retaining Creaminess To keep the sauce creamy, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water while reheating. Stir well to mix in the liquid. This will help restore the dish’s rich texture. Yes, you can use different mushrooms. Button mushrooms work well. Shiitake mushrooms add a rich taste. Try oyster mushrooms for a unique flavor. Mixing mushrooms gives your dish more depth. Absolutely! You can use coconut cream as a vegan option. Silken tofu blended with a bit of plant milk is also great. Both choices add creaminess without dairy. To make it gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Rice noodles or quinoa pasta work well. Make sure to check labels for gluten-free products. Serve this pasta with a side salad for freshness. Garlic bread pairs nicely for a comforting meal. Roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your plate. This article covered how to make creamy mushroom spinach pasta. You learned about key ingredients like fettuccine, mushrooms, and cream. I shared step-by-step cooking tips, storage advice, and possible variations. As you try this dish, remember that you can adjust it to fit your needs. Mix in different veggies or switch your pasta type for fun. Enjoy the process, and make it your own!

Creamy Mushroom Spinach Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 5 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are browned and have released their moisture.
  • Gradually add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts down, which should take about 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  • Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy mushroom spinach sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Plate the pasta in individual bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Notes

For an elegant touch, sprinkle a pinch of fresh black pepper on top and place a couple of spinach leaves on the side of the bowl. Serve with crusty garlic bread to complement the dish!
Keyword creamy, mushroom, pasta, spinach