Are you in the mood for a comforting, creamy pasta dish that’s both delicious and easy to make? Look no further! This mushroom pasta with spinach and creamy sauce ticks all the boxes.
Not only is it vegetarian, but it’s also easily adaptable for vegans. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
To make this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
- Salt for boiling pasta water
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 12 oz (340g) mushrooms, sliced (use a mix of button, cremini, and shiitake for depth of flavor)
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan option
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional Parmesan or nutritional yeast
- Lemon zest (optional, for a fresh zing)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
This usually takes around 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Mushrooms
Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and start to brown.
This step is crucial for developing the rich, umami flavor of the mushrooms.
4. Add the Spinach
Once the mushrooms have browned, add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Stir them into the mushroom mixture until they wilt down, which should take about 2–3 minutes.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan version) and vegetable broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Allow the sauce to simmer for 5–7 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan) and stir until it’s well incorporated.
Season the sauce with dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy mushroom and spinach sauce. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, use some of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
7. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, additional Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), and a bit of lemon zest if desired.
The lemon zest adds a lovely brightness to the dish that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Tips for Vegan Adaptation
To make this recipe fully vegan, ensure you use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
Both substitutions will maintain the creamy, rich texture and savory flavor of the dish. Additionally, verify that the pasta you choose doesn’t contain eggs or other animal products.
Variations and Additions
This mushroom pasta with spinach and creamy sauce is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas for variations and additions:
- Add Protein: Incorporate chickpeas or tofu for added protein.
- Different Greens: Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different texture and flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to boost the vegetable content.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it with roasted vegetables or a hearty soup. A crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon makes an excellent beverage choice to accompany this creamy pasta.
Conclusion
This mushroom pasta with spinach and creamy sauce is a perfect dish for a cozy dinner. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and adaptable for different dietary preferences.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or a vegan, this recipe provides a delightful, creamy pasta experience that everyone can enjoy. So, next time you’re craving something comforting yet wholesome, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
