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One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms: A Creamy, Comforting Weeknight Hero
Few things in the kitchen feel as magical as a truly great one-pot pasta recipe — something creamy, comforting, and deeply flavorful that comes together with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. This One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms is that kind of recipe. It’s rich, silky, savory, loaded with veggies, and ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Imagine tender pasta simmering directly in a garlic-infused broth, absorbing every bit of flavor. Add deeply sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a generous handful of Parmesan, and you have a dish that feels restaurant-worthy without any fuss. This recipe is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.
Whether you’re feeding your family, looking for a meatless Monday dinner, or need a comforting bowl of creamy pasta after a long day, this dish is guaranteed to become part of your weekly rotation.
Why This Pasta Belongs in Your Dinner Rotation
1. It’s a true one-pot wonder
No boiling pasta separately. Everything cooks in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and more flavor.
2. It’s creamy without being heavy
The sauce is made with Parmesan, broth, garlic, and a splash of cream — luxurious but not overwhelming.
3. Packed with veggies
Spinach and mushrooms add nutrients, texture, and heartiness.
4. Ready in 25–30 minutes
Ideal for busy nights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
5. Easily customizable
Add chicken, shrimp, sausage, or swap in different veggies — it always works.
What Makes This Pasta So Good
The key is building flavor in layers:
- Sear the mushrooms until golden to deepen their umami flavor.
- Sauté garlic in the leftover butter/oil.
- Cook the pasta in broth, allowing the starch to thicken the sauce naturally.
- Add cream and Parmesan at the end for silky richness.
- Fold in fresh spinach to add lightness and color.
This method guarantees a pasta dish with a luxurious, restaurant-quality sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle.
Ingredient Breakdown
Mushrooms
Bring earthy richness. Baby bellas, cremini, or white mushrooms all work.
Spinach
Adds freshness and color while balancing the creamy sauce.
Garlic
Essential for fragrance and depth; fresh garlic is a must.
Pasta
Penne, rotini, farfalle, linguine — all work beautifully.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth
Infuses the pasta with flavor as it cooks.
Heavy Cream
Creates the silky base of the sauce.
Parmesan
Freshly grated for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
Butter + Olive Oil
Enrich the base and help develop golden brown mushrooms.
Ingredients (Full List)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, linguine, or rotini)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 10 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Sauté the Mushrooms
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Add mushrooms and cook 6–8 minutes until browned and softened.
2. Add Garlic and Seasoning
Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Pasta and Broth
Pour in broth and add pasta. Stir well.
4. Cook Until Tender
Simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
5. Stir in Cream
Reduce heat and add heavy cream, stirring to create a silky base.
6. Add Parmesan
Gradually mix in Parmesan until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
7. Add Spinach
Fold in spinach during the last 2 minutes to wilt gently.
8. Serve
Top with extra Parmesan and cracked pepper.
One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms
A creamy, savory one-pot pasta made with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, garlic, Parmesan, and tender noodles simmered in rich broth.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add mushrooms and cook for 6–8 minutes until softened and browned.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute.
- Add pasta and pour in the broth. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Reduce heat and pour in heavy cream, stirring well.
- Add Parmesan gradually and stir until melted into a creamy sauce.
- Fold in spinach and cook until wilted, then serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
Expert Tips
Brown the mushrooms deeply
Caramelization creates rich umami flavor.
Use fresh Parmesan
Pre-grated cheese won’t melt properly.
Keep heat low when adding cream
Prevents curdling and ensures smoothness.
Add spinach at the end
Keeps it vibrant and tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta with:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken
- Caesar or garden salad
- Lemon asparagus
- Crispy chicken cutlets
It’s also great as leftovers — the sauce thickens beautifully in the fridge.
Variations
Add Protein
- Chicken breast
- Shrimp
- Italian sausage
- Rotisserie chicken
- Bacon
Switch the Veggies
- Broccoli
- Zucchini
- Peas
- Asparagus
- Cherry tomatoes
Make It Spicy
Add crushed red pepper or chili flakes.
Make It Lighter
Swap cream for evaporated milk or half-and-half.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
Freezer: Up to 2 months
Reheating:
Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce before reheating.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
This one-pot garlic Parmesan pasta captures everything we love about comfort food — creaminess, richness, bold garlic flavor — while remaining simple, approachable, and packed with vegetables. It’s a complete meal in one skillet and a dish you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.