Spinach Mushroom Pasta

Spinach Mushroom Pasta is the kind of cozy, flavorful dish that makes a simple dinner feel a little more special without asking much of you in return.

This one-pan recipe is the kind of easy dinner you can make on autopilot and still feel like you’re eating something cozy, fresh, and full of flavor. It is an easy pasta dinner you’ll turn to again and again when you want something comforting, quick, and full of flavor.

Spinach Mushroom Pasta Recipe Highlights

  • Quick one-pan recipe that comes together in 30 minutes
  • Made with pantry staples and just one pan
  • Light, savory, and packed with real flavor
  • Great meatless meal option with hearty texture
  • Perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or casual entertaining

Ingredient Notes

Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.

Ingredients needed to make Spinach Mushroom Pasta.

PASTA – I use farfalle for its chewy texture and wide surface, which holds onto the sauce well. Penne or rotini are easy substitutes if that’s what you have.

OLIVE OIL – I use olive oil to sauté the vegetables and build flavor. It creates a silky base for the garlic and herbs without overpowering the dish.

ONION AND GARLIC – I use diced white onion and freshly minced garlic to lay down a strong, savory foundation. These ingredients infuse the broth with flavor that builds as it simmers.

MUSHROOMS – I use baby bella mushrooms for their deep, earthy flavor. They hold up well to sautéing and add a satisfying texture to the dish. White mushrooms can work in a pinch, but baby bellas bring more richness.

SPINACH – I use fresh spinach and add it at the very end so it wilts just enough without turning soggy. You can use frozen spinach if needed, but be sure to thaw and drain it fully before adding.

CHICKEN STOCK – I use chicken stock to create a light, savory sauce that ties the whole dish together. You can swap in vegetable stock if you’re keeping it meatless.

SEASONINGS – I use dried basil, oregano, and parsley to give this dish a warm, herby flavor. Salt and black pepper add balance, and the red pepper flakes sprinkled on top bring a touch of gentle heat.

How To Make Spinach Mushroom Pasta

Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.

Wilted spinach in a mushroom sauce topped with cooked pasta in a pot.
Mushrooms, onions, seasonings, and herbs in a pot.
Mushrooms, onions, seasonings, and herbs topped with fresh spinach in a pot. A wooden spatula rests in the pot.
Wilted spinach in a mushroom sauce topped with cooked pasta in a pot.
  1. Cook pasta until al dente. Set aside.
  2. Sauté onion and mushrooms in olive oil until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Add chicken stock, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer, and stir in spinach and cook until just wilted.
  4. Toss in pasta, stir to coat and serve with parmesan and red pepper flakes.

Leftovers and Storage

STORE – Let the Spinach Mushroom Pasta cool for 15 to 20 minutes before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner later in the week.

FREEZE – You can freeze portions of this pasta, but keep in mind the spinach and mushrooms will soften. For best results, freeze in single-serving containers and add a splash of broth when reheating to revive the sauce.

REHEAT – Gently reheat the Spinach Mushroom Pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon or two of broth or water to bring back the sauciness. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through. The microwave works too.

MAKE AHEAD – You can make the mushroom and onion base (with broth and seasonings) up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, then reheat and add fresh spinach and pasta just before serving so the greens stay vibrant.

Serving Suggestions

CHOPPED TOMATO SALAD – A vibrant tomato salad with red onion, olive oil, and a splash of vinegar cuts through the richness of the mushrooms and brightens up the plate with juicy, fresh flavor.

CUCUMBER SALAD – Go for either a creamy version with sour cream and dill or a lighter lemon-based one. Both offer a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm pasta and balance the garlic and red pepper heat.

BEET SALAD – Roasted or pickled, beets bring bold color and a hint of sweetness that pairs well with spinach and mushrooms. A little goat cheese or orange zest on top makes it even more special.

OATMEAL DINNER ROLLS – These soft, slightly nutty rolls are perfect for mopping up the flavorful broth at the bottom of your bowl. They add comfort and a little heartiness without stealing the spotlight.

Plate of Spinach Mushroom Pasta, sautéed mushrooms, spinach in a light herb sauce.

Recipe Success Tips

WILT SPINACH GENTLY – Add spinach just before the pasta and stir it in off the heat. It cooks quickly and keeps its color and texture better this way.

AVOID HIGH HEAT WITH GARLIC – Garlic browns fast. Use low heat and stir constantly so it stays fragrant, not bitter.

SAVE PASTA WATER – A tablespoon or two of starchy pasta water stirred in at the end helps bring the sauce together and cling to the pasta better.

DON’T RUSH THE SIMMER – Give the herbs and stock a few minutes to come together before adding spinach. It builds flavor and makes everything taste more cohesive.

ADJUST SALT LAST – The broth reduces slightly as it simmers. Always taste before serving and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.

EXPERT TIP – If you want a little creaminess without adding dairy, mash a few sautéed mushrooms into the broth before adding spinach. It thickens the sauce slightly and adds a velvety texture.

A wooden spoonful of Spinach Mushroom Pasta.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Spinach?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and pressed dry so it doesn’t water down the sauce. Stir it in at the end like you would with fresh.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Mushroom?

Definitely. White button mushrooms, cremini, or even shiitake all work. Choose whatever you enjoy or have on hand.

Spinach Mushroom Pasta recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.
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Spinach Mushroom Pasta

Author: Maike Corbett
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serving Size 6
Spinach Mushroom Pasta makes it simple to eat something warm and satisfying without turning your kitchen into a project.
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instruction set aside.
  • Add the olive oil, onions, and mushrooms to the pan, cook on medium-low until the onions are transparent and the mushrooms have softened.
  • Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the garlic is lightly cooked.
  • Add the chicken stock, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and parsley to the pan and simmer on low, stirring occasionally for a few minutes, then add in the fresh spinach. Cook the spinach until it has wilted.
  • Add in the pasta and stir to combine the mixture.
  • Remove the pan from heat and let cool for a few minutes before topping with parmesan and red pepper flakes before serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 397
Carbs: 62g
Fat: 11g
Protein: 13g

Nutritional Disclaimer

Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.

Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.

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