Description
Garlic parmesan pasta merges creamy, savory flavors in a quick single-pot meal that elevates weeknight dinners. Mushrooms and spinach add nutritious depth to this comforting Italian-inspired dish you will crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, then gently sweat minced garlic and diced onion until translucent and fragrant.
- Mushroom Development: Introduce sliced mushrooms, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook until they caramelize and release their natural moisture.
- Pasta Integration: Coat uncooked pasta in the herb-infused oil and vegetable mixture, then pour in vegetable or chicken broth to create a creamy cooking liquid.
- Cooking Process: Cover and simmer the skillet, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure uniform cooking until pasta approaches al dente texture.
- Final Touches: Fold fresh spinach leaves into the pasta, allowing them to wilt, then remove from heat and incorporate grated parmesan cheese to create a luxurious, clingy sauce.
- Resting Phase: Allow the dish to rest briefly, enabling flavors to meld and sauce to thicken before serving piping hot.
Notes
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Select fresh mushrooms with firm texture and vibrant spinach leaves to enhance overall dish flavor and nutritional value.
- Control Liquid Ratio: Monitor broth amount carefully to prevent pasta from becoming too dry or overly soupy; adjust gradually during cooking process.
- Stir Strategically: Maintain consistent stirring to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking, especially during simmering stage.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Easily transform recipe by substituting regular pasta with gluten-free options or using plant-based parmesan for vegan version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg