Creamy Tuscan Mushroom Pasta Skillet Recipe
This Creamy Tuscan Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a rich and comforting dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a flavorful creamy sauce made with sautéed fresh mushrooms, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that combines earthy mushrooms and fresh basil to create a delightful Italian-inspired vegetarian pasta skillet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (about 227 grams)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Fresh Ingredients
- 1.5 cups fresh mushrooms (about 115 grams, sliced; a mix of button, shiitake, or portobello recommended)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach (about 30 grams)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Dairy & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream (about 240 ml)
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams), plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a little pasta water if needed.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and develop a golden color. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, mixing well with the mushrooms and garlic.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well incorporated.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the pasta with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente for optimal texture as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.
- Using a combination of mushroom types like shiitake or portobello adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Mushroom Pasta, Vegetarian Pasta Skillet, Mushroom Pasta Recipe, Italian Creamy Pasta, Easy Weeknight Dinner