Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese or mozzarella (The source says mozzarella can be used instead of Parmesan.)
• salt (to taste; do not add additional salt if using the chicken bouillon cube)
• freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tbsp red chili flakes
• 0.5 cup mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 cup spinach
• 0.5 box pasta of choice (The source specifies half a box; box size is not stated. Estimated here as approximately 227 g (8 oz).)
• 1 cube chicken bouillon cube (optional; omit additional salt if using it)
• 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream
• 0.5 tsp salt for pasta water (Add to the pasta cooking water.)
• pasta water (Add some to the sauce if it becomes too thick.)

Steps

1. 1

   Cook the pasta in a large pot according to the package directions, adding ½ teaspoon salt to the water. Once the pasta is done, drain it and return it to the large pot.

2. 2

   In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low to medium-low heat.

3. 3

   Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30 seconds.

4. 4

   Add the sliced mushrooms and spinach. Cook for another 1 minute.

5. 5

   Add the heavy whipping cream and whisk until the mixture is smooth.

6. 6

   Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red chili flakes. If using the chicken bouillon cube, add it now and do not add additional salt.

7. 7

   If the sauce becomes too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.

8. 8

   Add the Parmesan cheese or mozzarella and stir to incorporate it into the sauce.

9. 9

   Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, whisking frequently while it simmers.

10. 10

    Pour the finished sauce over the cooked noodles and stir well. Serve immediately.

Notes

The source does not specify the pasta box size, so the nutrition estimate assumes a standard 16-ounce box and half-box quantity. Reserve some pasta water before draining in case the sauce needs thinning. The source lists both Parmesan and mozzarella as options.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• vegetarian-option
• creamy
• one-pot-meal
• stovetop
• quick meal