If you love creamy pasta dishes that come together quickly, taste incredible, and require only ONE pan, then this Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is about to be your new go-to weeknight dinner. Packed with savory mushrooms, fresh spinach, tender pasta, garlic, and loads of parmesan, this skillet is comforting, creamy, and surprisingly simple to make.

What sets this recipe apart is that everything cooks in the same pan — including the pasta. That means less cleanup, more flavor, and a richer, creamier sauce that forms naturally as the pasta releases starch into the broth. The result is a silky, restaurant-quality pasta dish that feels indulgent yet still balanced thanks to the earthy mushrooms and wilted spinach.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe hits the perfect balance:
✔️ Fast
✔️ Satisfying
✔️ Budget-friendly
✔️ Vegetarian
✔️ Comforting without being heavy

Let’s break down exactly why this one-pan pasta skillet is a must-make.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan recipe — minimal cleanup
• Creamy without needing too much cream
• Deep mushroom flavor thanks to sautéing first
• Spinach adds nutrients and freshness
• Perfect for busy weeknights
• Easily customizable: add chicken, sausage, shrimp, or sun-dried tomatoes

This skillet pasta is the type of meal you crave on a cozy evening — warm, creamy, and full of flavor.

⭐ Ingredient Breakdown

Pasta

Short pasta works best: penne, rotini, fusilli, shells, or farfalle. Cooking it in broth creates a richer sauce.

Mushrooms

Use cremini, baby bella, or white mushrooms. When sautéed properly, they add a deep, savory, almost meaty flavor.

Spinach

Wilts beautifully into the sauce and adds color + nutrients.

Garlic

A must for flavor — it perfumes the entire skillet.

Parmesan

The hero ingredient: salty, nutty, melty perfection.

Broth

Chicken or vegetable broth adds flavor instead of water.

Cream

Just a splash creates silky sauce without heaviness.

Seasonings

Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

⭐ How to Make Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet

1. Sauté the Mushrooms

Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet, then add mushrooms. Let them brown without stirring too much — this creates deep flavor.

2. Add Garlic & Seasonings

Once mushrooms are golden, add garlic and Italian seasoning to bloom the flavor.

3. Add Pasta & Broth

Pour in the uncooked pasta and broth. Stir, bring to a simmer, and let the pasta cook directly in the skillet.

4. Add Cream & Parmesan

Once pasta is tender and broth mostly absorbed, stir in cream and parmesan. The sauce will thicken into a luxurious consistency.

5. Stir in Spinach

Add fresh spinach and let it wilt down into the sauce.

6. Serve

Top with extra parmesan, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet

A creamy, flavorful one-pan pasta skillet with mushrooms, parmesan, spinach, and garlic. Easy, comforting, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 430

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta Skillet

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz mushrooms sliced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups pasta uncooked penne or rotini
• 3 cups broth chicken or vegetable
• 1 cup spinach fresh
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning; cook 1 minute.
4. Add uncooked pasta and broth; bring to a simmer.
5. Cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
6. Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan until creamy.
7. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve warm.

Notes

If pasta absorbs broth too quickly, add extra broth 1/4 cup at a time until pasta is fully tender.

⭐ Tips for the Best Mushroom Spinach Pasta

• Brown mushrooms properly — don’t overcrowd the pan
• Use freshly grated parmesan — melts better than bagged
• Stir occasionally while pasta cooks to prevent sticking
• Add more broth if needed for a creamier sauce
• Finish with lemon zest for brightness (optional)

⭐ Variations

• Add protein: chicken, sausage, shrimp, or tofu
• Add veggies: sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, roasted peppers
• Make it spicy: add cayenne or extra chili flakes
• Make it extra cheesy: add mozzarella or asiago
• Dairy-free option: use coconut milk and nutritional yeast

⭐ What to Serve With This Pasta

This dish is satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted veggies
• Air fryer chicken breast
• Lemon roasted asparagus

⭐ How to Store & Reheat

• Fridge: 3–4 days
• Reheat: Stovetop or microwave — add a splash of broth or milk
• Freezer: Pasta texture changes, but still okay for up to 6 weeks

Ingredients (List Format)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions (Numbered)

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add mushrooms and sauté until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning; cook 1 minute.
4. Add uncooked pasta and broth; bring to a simmer.
5. Cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
6. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan; mix until creamy.
7. Add spinach and allow it to wilt into the pasta.
8. Taste and season with extra salt, pepper, or chili flakes.
9. Serve warm with extra parmesan on top.