Penne pasta with mushrooms and spinach turns a few everyday ingredients into a warm and satisfying vegetarian meal. The shape of penne holds the light sauce beautifully, giving every bite plenty of flavor.
Sautéed mushrooms bring a rich, savory taste while fresh spinach adds color and freshness. Garlic and olive oil create a simple sauce that keeps the pasta flavorful without making it overly heavy.
Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, this pasta is perfect when you need a straightforward dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve it with a salad or crusty bread for a complete family meal.
Start with the Vegetable Cooking Guide:
https://www.letsveg.com/vegetable-cooking-guide
Quick Penne Pasta with Mushrooms and Spinach
Make this quick penne pasta in just 30 minutes with mushrooms, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan. A simple vegetarian dinner perfect for busy weeknights or an easy family meal.
Ingredients
Equipment
soup pot with lid
Large Deep Frying Pan
Cooking Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
- Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until just wilted.
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss with the mushrooms and spinach.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and enough reserved pasta water to lightly coat the pasta.
- Season with salt and black pepper and toss until everything is well combined.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired, then serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
Cremini mushrooms provide a deeper flavor, but white button mushrooms work well too.
Let the mushrooms brown before stirring too often to develop better flavor.
Add the spinach near the end because it needs only a few minutes to wilt.
Reserved pasta water helps the Parmesan and olive oil create a light sauce that coats the penne.
Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or broccoli for additional vegetables.
Let the mushrooms brown before stirring too often to develop better flavor.
Add the spinach near the end because it needs only a few minutes to wilt.
Reserved pasta water helps the Parmesan and olive oil create a light sauce that coats the penne.
Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or broccoli for additional vegetables.