Indulge in a bowl of creamy Parmesan spaghetti recipe with fresh spinach and mushrooms, a comforting dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly flavorful.
This spaghetti recipe combines tender pasta, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach in a rich, cheesy sauce that will delight your taste buds.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For this delicious spaghetti recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 ounces of spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 10 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups of fresh spinach
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How To Make This Spaghetti Recipe
Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8–10 minutes. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and set it aside. You can drizzle a bit of olive oil over it to prevent it from sticking together.
Sauté the Mushrooms
While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender. The mushrooms will release some moisture; let it evaporate to concentrate the flavor.
Wilt the Spinach
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts. This should take about 2–3 minutes. The spinach will reduce significantly in volume, so don’t worry if it seems like too much at first.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the mushrooms and spinach. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Allow the cream to heat up and start to simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 3–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Once the sauce has thickened, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and integrates into the sauce, making it creamy and rich. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.
Combine the Spaghetti and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the creamy mushroom and spinach sauce. Use tongs or a large fork to toss the spaghetti, ensuring that it is evenly coated with the sauce. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve and Garnish
Once everything is well combined and heated through, transfer the spaghetti to serving plates. Garnish with fresh thyme and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. If you like, you can also add a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper for an extra flavor kick.
Tips for the Best Spaghetti
Cook Pasta Al Dente
Cooking pasta al dente means it should be firm to the bite. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
To achieve this, cook the pasta for about 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Always taste a piece before draining to ensure it’s cooked to your preference.
Season the Sauce
The key to a flavorful dish is a well-seasoned sauce. Before combining the sauce with the pasta, taste it and adjust the seasoning. Add salt and pepper as needed.
Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle warmth or a dash of lemon juice for brightness. Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley can also elevate the flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When sautéing mushrooms, give them enough space in the pan to ensure even cooking. If the pan is overcrowded, the mushrooms will release too much moisture and steam instead of brown. This results in a soggy texture. If necessary, cook the mushrooms in batches.
Garnish Thoughtfully
Garnishing is not just for presentation; it adds an extra layer of flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley enhance the dish’s aroma and taste. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides a salty, nutty finish. For added texture, consider topping with toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of truffle oil.
Questions Related to This Recipe
Can I use other types of pasta for this spaghetti recipe?
Absolutely! This creamy sauce pairs well with various pasta types. Fettuccine, with its wide, flat shape, holds the sauce well.
Linguine, similar to spaghetti but slightly flatter, is also a great choice. Penne or rigatoni can add a different texture as the sauce fills the pasta tubes, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
Yes, for a lighter version of the sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk. Be mindful that the consistency will be thinner and less creamy.
To thicken it slightly, you can mix a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch with a bit of cold milk before adding it to the sauce. Another option is to use Greek yogurt or a light cream cheese, which will also provide a creamy texture with fewer calories.
What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
This recipe is versatile and can accommodate a variety of vegetables. Bell peppers add a sweet crunch, while zucchini provides a soft texture. Cherry tomatoes introduce a burst of acidity and color.
You can also add broccoli florets, asparagus tips, or peas. Sauté these vegetables along with the mushrooms, adjusting cooking times as needed.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, replace the heavy cream with a plant-based cream such as cashew cream, almond milk, or coconut milk.
Cashew cream provides a rich, creamy texture without altering the flavor significantly. Nutritional yeast is an excellent substitute for Parmesan cheese, offering a cheesy flavor without dairy. Use a vegan butter or olive oil for sautéing the garlic and mushrooms.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding protein can make this dish more filling and balanced. Grilled chicken breast or thighs complement the creamy sauce well.
Shrimp can be sautéed with the garlic and mushrooms for a seafood twist. For a vegetarian option, crispy tofu or tempeh works great. You can also add plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils for a nutritious boost.
