Description
A comforting creamy pasta dish featuring tender mushrooms, garlic, and fresh basil, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup spinach (baby spinach or chopped kale)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and warm until it shimmers.
- Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to get a good sear, then stir occasionally for a total of 5–7 minutes until nicely browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the skillet to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce turns glossy. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat, garnish with torn fresh basil, and serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter creaminess, substitute half-and-half with a tablespoon of butter. Use dairy-free options such as cashew cream and nutritional yeast for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian