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Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet: A Creamy One-Pan Dinner Ready in Minutes
When life calls for a comforting meal that doesn’t take hours, one-pan pasta dishes are nothing short of magical. This Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is the ultimate weeknight dinner: creamy, savory, veggie-packed, and ready in under 30 minutes — all made in just one skillet. If you love earthy mushrooms, rich Parmesan, and silky pasta coated in a luscious sauce, this dish will become a regular in your dinner rotation.
What makes this pasta so irresistible is the combination of simple ingredients that come together beautifully: sautéed mushrooms for depth, garlic and butter for aroma, fresh spinach for color and nutrition, and Parmesan for that salty, nutty finish. The sauce clings to every strand of pasta, creating a comforting and indulgent experience without being heavy or complicated.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or preparing a quick dinner for yourself, this dish is effortless, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
Why This Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet Works So Well
1. It’s a One-Pan Wonder
No need for multiple pots or pans — the pasta cooks right in the skillet with the sauce, absorbing every bit of flavor.
2. Incredible Layers of Flavor
Mushrooms add umami richness, garlic and herbs add depth, Parmesan brings salty creaminess, and spinach keeps everything balanced.
3. Quick and Convenient
Ready in less than 30 minutes with everyday ingredients.
4. Comforting but Not Too Heavy
The sauce is creamy and satisfying but not overly rich thanks to the balance of broth, cheese, and vegetables.
5. Customizable
Add protein, switch pasta types, or experiment with herbs — it’s hard to go wrong.
Ingredient Breakdown
Pasta
Short pasta like penne or rotini works well, but linguine or spaghetti are delicious too. Choose what you love.
Mushrooms
Use cremini, white button, or baby bellas. Their earthy flavor anchors the dish.
Spinach
Adds nutrients, color, and freshness. You can use baby spinach or chopped regular spinach.
Parmesan
Freshly grated is best for melting smoothly into the sauce.
Garlic & Butter
A classic combination that forms the aromatic base.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth
Allows pasta to cook directly in the skillet while building flavor.
Heavy Cream
Adds silky richness to the sauce.
Seasonings
Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper bring everything together.
Ingredients (Full List)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or linguine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 10 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the Mushrooms
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and softened, about 6–8 minutes.
2. Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Pasta and Broth
Pour in the broth and add uncooked pasta. Stir to ensure pasta is submerged.
4. Simmer Until Pasta Is Tender
Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Make It Creamy
Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to coat pasta.
6. Add Parmesan
Sprinkle in Parmesan gradually, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce.
7. Add Spinach
Fold in fresh spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.
8. Serve
Top with extra Parmesan and black pepper. Serve hot.
Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
A creamy, savory one-pan pasta loaded with mushrooms, spinach, garlic, and Parmesan for the perfect quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook 6–8 minutes until softened and browned.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute.
- Add uncooked pasta and pour in the broth. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Reduce heat and pour in heavy cream, stirring until combined.
- Add Parmesan gradually, stirring until melted into the sauce.
- Fold in spinach and cook until wilted, then serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Expert Tips for This Recipe
Use fresh Parmesan
Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Don’t overcook the pasta
Cook until al dente so it holds its texture in the creamy sauce.
Let the sauce thicken naturally
As the pasta absorbs liquid, the sauce develops rich creaminess.
Add spinach at the end
This keeps the spinach bright and tender instead of overcooked.
Variations
Add Protein
- Grilled chicken
- Shrimp
- Italian sausage
- Rotisserie chicken
- Crispy bacon
Make It Lighter
Swap heavy cream for:
- Half-and-half
- Evaporated milk
- Greek yogurt (added off heat)
Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Add More Veggies
Try broccoli, peas, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes.
Herb Upgrade
Fresh parsley, basil, thyme, or rosemary are excellent additions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Simple grilled chicken
- A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
It also reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Add a splash of cream, broth, or water to loosen the sauce before reheating.
Why This Recipe Will Become a Favorite
This Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet hits all the right notes: creamy, garlicky, savory, satisfying, and deeply comforting, all while being easy enough for a quick dinner. It’s proof that simple ingredients can make an extraordinary meal, especially when cooked together in one skillet.
Once you make it, you’ll want it in your weekly rotation — guaranteed.