Creamy Mushroom And Spinach Pasta Recipe

If you are looking for a dish that combines wholesome ingredients with indulgent creaminess, then this Creamy Mushroom And Spinach Pasta is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings together tender linguine coated in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce rich with caramelized mushrooms, vibrant baby spinach, and the savory goodness of Parmesan cheese. The addition of toasted pine nuts adds a delightful crunch that elevates every bite. Easy to prepare yet packed with flavor, this pasta is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Creamy Mushroom And Spinach Pasta. From the earthy mushrooms to the fresh spinach, each component is simple yet essential to the dish’s irresistible taste.

• 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps caramelize mushrooms and adds a subtle fruity richness.
• 8-10 mushrooms (sliced): The heart of the dish, they bring an earthy depth and meaty texture.
• 2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and a gentle bite.
• 150 g linguine: Classic pasta that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
• 1 cup cooking cream: The velvety base making this pasta irresistibly creamy.
• 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper: Adds a mild spice and complexity to the sauce.
• 1/3 chicken stock cube: Boosts savory flavor and deepens the cream sauce.
• 1/2 tsp dried basil leaves: Introduces a subtle herbaceous note balancing the richness.
• 1 cup baby spinach: Fresh and vibrant, it brightens the whole dish with color and nutrition.
• 2 tbsp pine nuts: Toasted for a crunchy, nutty contrast to creamy pasta.
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated plus extra for topping): Melts into the sauce and crowns the dish with sharp, salty flavor.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom And Spinach Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your linguine according to the package instructions. Timing is key here because the pasta will go directly into the sauce without rinsing, allowing all that luscious cream to cling perfectly to every strand.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pan. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they’ve released their moisture and turned a beautiful golden brown. This caramelization is essential because it brings out the mushrooms’ rich, savory flavor that forms the backbone of our sauce.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Once the mushrooms are browned, toss in the minced garlic. Stir and sauté for about two minutes, just until fragrant. Be mindful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter, but letting it gently cook with the mushrooms will layer more complexity into your sauce.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cooking cream, crushed black pepper, chicken stock cube, and dried basil leaves to the pan. Stir everything together and allow the mixture to simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. During this time, the cream will start to thicken while blending all those fantastic flavors into a smooth sauce.

Step 5: Melt in Parmesan Cheese

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it completely melts into the sauce. This step not only enhances the creaminess but also adds a subtle sharpness and saltiness that elevates the entire dish.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the linguine once cooked and immediately transfer it into the pan with your creamy mushroom sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat each noodle in that dreamy sauce.

Step 7: Add Fresh Spinach

Turn off the heat and stir in the baby spinach leaves. The residual warmth will wilt the greens just enough to soften them while keeping their fresh color and delicate texture.

Step 8: Toast Pine Nuts

In a smaller pan, toast the pine nuts on high heat for a couple of minutes, shaking frequently to prevent burning. These nuts add a wonderful crunch and subtle nuttiness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Plate your pasta, then generously sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and some extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom And Spinach Pasta

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves make a lovely green accent and add a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few twists of freshly ground black pepper can also brighten each bite.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette or with roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers. For bread lovers, a thick slice of garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, consider serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a delicate nest of spinach leaves on top for an elegant look. You can also sprinkle some edible flowers or microgreens for a pop of color that will wow your guests visually as well as in flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Mushroom And Spinach Pasta should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated within two hours of cooking. It will keep well for up to 3 days without losing much of its flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the pasta, it’s best to do so without the fresh spinach and pine nuts to preserve their texture. Store the pasta with cream sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir often to ensure even heating and prevent the cream from separating. Add fresh spinach and toasted pine nuts just before serving for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully, feel free to use fettuccine, penne, or even farfalle. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to keep your pasta al dente.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

This Creamy Mushroom And Spinach Pasta is nearly vegetarian, but since it uses a chicken stock cube, you can swap it for a vegetable stock cube to keep it fully vegetarian without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cooking cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain richness and a cheesy flavor.

How important is the pine nuts topping?

The toasted pine nuts add a fantastic crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta. You can skip them if needed or try alternatives like toasted walnuts or almonds.

What’s the best way to store leftover pasta without it getting mushy?

Cool the pasta slightly before storing and keep it in an airtight container. When reheating, add a little liquid and heat gently to restore the creamy texture without overcooking the pasta.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly comforting about a bowl of creamy, flavorful pasta that feels both simple and special. This Creamy Mushroom And Spinach Pasta hits all the right notes with its rich sauce, fresh greens, and that perfect crunch from pine nuts. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen as it has become in mine.

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