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Spinach and Mushroom Pasta

This spinach and mushroom pasta combines earthy, umami-rich mushrooms with tender, wilted spinach, all tossed with al dente pasta. The dish features contrasting textures—crispy edges on the mushrooms and vibrant, slightly wilted greens—coated in fragrant garlic and olive oil, finished with a bright squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s a quick, flavorful meal that feels rustic yet satisfying in every bite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g pasta (linguine or fettuccine) uncooked
  • 150 g mushrooms (cremini or baby bella) sliced thin
  • 150 g fresh spinach washed and roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • to taste Parmesan cheese freshly grated, optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Chopping board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cup

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn deep brown and develop crispy edges, about 8 minutes. The mushrooms will smell earthy and release a smoky aroma.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. You’ll notice the garlic turning sweet and nutty as it releases aroma.
  4. Toss in the chopped spinach, stirring until it wilts down and releases its bright green aroma, about 2-3 minutes. If the pan gets dry, splash in a little reserved pasta water to keep everything moist and vibrant.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the mushroom and spinach mixture. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the noodles evenly.
  6. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if using. Toss everything together gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to become fragrant and vibrant.
  7. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or lemon zest if desired. Enjoy the contrasting textures of crispy mushrooms, tender greens, and perfectly cooked pasta in every satisfying bite.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil before serving. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.