This creamy spinach mushroom pasta is comfort food at its best. Twirls of tender pasta are coated in a rich, velvety sauce with garlic, mushrooms, fresh spinach, and plenty of Parmesan. Every bite is earthy from the mushrooms, creamy from the sauce, and fresh from the spinach, so it feels indulgent but never too heavy.
It is the kind of pasta you can throw together on a weeknight without any stress, yet it still tastes like something you would order at a restaurant. Everything cooks in one pan, and the sauce clings to the noodles in the most satisfying way. You can keep it simple or add a little flair with red pepper flakes, fresh herbs, or even a squeeze of lemon to brighten it up.
This has become one of my reliable go-to recipes for when I want dinner to feel a little special but still be quick and fuss-free. It works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for a cozy date night or those moments when nothing but a creamy bowl of pasta will do.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this creamy spinach mushroom pasta because it is quick, flavorful, and as cozy as it gets. The combination of earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan sauce wraps perfectly around every piece of pasta, giving you a dish that feels indulgent but still light enough to enjoy on any night of the week.
It is ready in under 30 minutes, which makes it a true weeknight hero, and it delivers big flavor without needing a long list of steps. It is also incredibly flexible, so you can make it exactly how you like. Swap the spinach for kale, use any pasta shape you have, or add in chicken, shrimp, or bacon if you want extra protein.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, coconut cream and plant-based cheese create a silky, delicious sauce that still feels like comfort food. Whether it’s a busy night, a casual dinner for two, or when you’re simply craving something creamy and comforting, this recipe always comes through.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (farfalle, penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- Salt, for boiling water
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 10 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat slightly, then pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Add Spinach and Pasta
Stir in the spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together until fully coated. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until creamy.
5. Garnish and Serve
Top the pasta with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon if you like. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Creamy Spinach Mushroom Pasta
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta farfalle, penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 10 oz cremini or white mushrooms sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Lemon wedges optional
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente, reserve some pasta water.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter and oil.
- Stir in cream, milk, Parmesan, and seasonings.
- Add spinach and pasta, toss until coated.
- Garnish with Parmesan and parsley, serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Make it lighter: Swap half-and-half for cream and use less cheese.
- Add protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine before the cream for a restaurant-style sauce.
- Make it spicy: Use more crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy pasta with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies on the side. For drinks, a crisp white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or iced tea pairs perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This creamy spinach mushroom pasta is rich, comforting, and comes together in no time, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed evenings at home. It tastes like something you would order from a favorite Italian spot, yet it is simple to make and endlessly adaptable. You can change up the pasta shape, toss in different greens, or add protein like chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon to make it your own. No matter how you prepare it, this dish always feels indulgent, cozy, and satisfying.
