Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are softened and lightly browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir the fresh baby spinach into the skillet until it wilts completely, about 2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Season the sauce generously with salt and black pepper.
- Step 5: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss the pasta thoroughly to coat. If the sauce appears too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Store leftovers tightly sealed in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping in mind that the pasta will soak up the creamy sauce as it chills.
- To revive the sauce while reheating, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy consistency and prevent splitting.
- Enhance the flavor profile by grating fresh nutmeg over the finished dish, or pair the pasta with crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of the sauce.
- For maximum savory depth, ensure you let the mushrooms sauté undisturbed until they achieve a deep, golden-brown color before adding the garlic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American