Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Spaghetti

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Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Spaghetti: A Luxurious 30-Minute Pasta You’ll Make Again and Again

There are few dishes more comforting—and more elegant—than a perfectly prepared bowl of Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Spaghetti. This ultra-satisfying vegetarian pasta delivers restaurant-level richness with simple ingredients you may already have at home. Loaded with tender spaghetti, earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, garlic, Parmesan, and a velvety cream sauce, this dish transforms an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting guests, or craving a cozy dinner after a long day, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh. Best of all? It comes together in under 30 minutes.

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⭐ Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Spaghetti (Full Recipe)

Yields: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
  • Salt for the pasta water

For the Creamy Mushroom-Spinach Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 lb (450 g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 5 oz (140 g) fresh baby spinach
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional but adds great flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional but highly recommended to brighten the sauce)

How to Make Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Spaghetti

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become golden brown.

For best flavor, allow the mushrooms to sear undisturbed for a minute or two at a time.

3. Add Garlic and Seasonings

Reduce heat to medium.
Stir in the garlic, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

4. Pour in the Cream

Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and stir gently.
Allow the sauce to simmer for 3–4 minutes, thickening slightly.

5. Melt in the Parmesan

Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely into a smooth, glossy sauce.

If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

6. Add the Spinach

Add the fresh baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
The spinach adds color, nutrients, and a fresh element that balances the rich sauce.

7. Bring It All Together

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the pan with the sauce.
Toss thoroughly so every strand is coated in creamy goodness.
Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Finish with lemon juice for brightness—optional but worth it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Spaghetti immediately with:

  • Extra grated Parmesan
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • A squeeze of lemon
  • Crusty garlic bread
  • A light green salad with vinaigrette

This pasta pairs beautifully with white wine such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc.

Variations to Try

1. Add Protein

  • Grilled chicken
  • Italian sausage
  • Shrimp
  • Crispy bacon or pancetta

2. Make It Vegan

  • Swap cream for coconut cream
  • Use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast
  • Replace butter with olive oil

3. Add More Veggies

Try adding:

  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Zucchini
  • Peas
  • Kale

4. Make It Even Creamier

Stir in:

  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • ¼ cup mascarpone cheese

Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta

✔ Use freshly grated Parmesan

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and won’t melt as smoothly.

✔ Don’t overcook the spaghetti

Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture in a creamy sauce.

✔ Let mushrooms brown properly

Color = flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

✔ Reserve pasta water

It’s liquid gold for creating a silky, cohesive sauce.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerator:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat:

Warm on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of milk or cream.

Creamy pastas don’t freeze well, so refrigeration is best.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish checks all the boxes:

  • Rich and creamy
  • 100% vegetarian
  • Quick and easy
  • Budget-friendly
  • Restaurant quality
  • One of the best comfort meals you can make in 30 minutes

It offers the perfect combination of indulgence and balance—savory mushrooms, fresh spinach, Parmesan, cream, pasta—all coming together in a silky, flavorful sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Spaghetti is more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s a luxurious yet effortless pasta masterpiece. With its velvety sauce and sautéed mushrooms, it delivers comfort, elegance, and bold flavor in every bite. Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or meal prep, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

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