Description
Creamy spinach and mushroom pasta delight invites pasta enthusiasts on a delectable culinary journey through Italian-inspired comfort. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal that delights senses and nourishes souls with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 10.5 ounces (300 grams) whole wheat pasta
- 7 ounces (200 grams) button mushrooms
- 5.3 ounces (150 grams) fresh spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest from 1 lemon
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Flavor Enhancers:
(None)
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot for the whole wheat pasta. Submerge the noodles and cook according to package guidelines, typically achieving al dente texture in 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract the pasta, preserving a half cup of starchy liquid for later sauce development.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce sliced mushrooms, allowing them to caramelize and transform into a rich golden hue, approximately 5-7 minutes. Gently manipulate the mushrooms to ensure even browning.
- Reduce the skillet’s heat slightly and introduce minced garlic. Sauté the aromatic ingredient until it releases its fragrant essence, roughly 1 minute.
- Cascade fresh spinach into the skillet, delicately intertwining it with the mushrooms and garlic. Allow the verdant leaves to surrender and wilt completely, requiring 1-2 minutes of gentle stirring.
- In a separate mixing vessel, harmonize ricotta cheese with grated parmesan. Elevate the mixture with strategic seasoning of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and bright lemon zest. Modulate the sauce’s consistency by incorporating reserved pasta water as needed.
- Transfer the drained pasta into the skillet, uniting it with the mushroom and spinach medley. Gracefully drape the ricotta-parmesan blend over the pasta, tenderly incorporating all elements. Adjust the sauce’s viscosity with additional pasta water if necessary.
- Provide a final flourish by sprinkling vibrant lemon zest across the dish. For those desiring an extra flavor dimension, dust with crushed red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle heat.
Notes
- Elevate this dish by choosing fresh, high-quality mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for deeper, richer flavor profiles.
- Reserve pasta water strategically, as its starchy consistency helps create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats each pasta strand.
- Quickly wilt spinach to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, preserving essential nutrients and a tender texture.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting crushed red pepper flakes, allowing personalization for spice-sensitive diners.
- Use room temperature ricotta for smoother sauce integration and more even blending with parmesan cheese.
- Select whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutty undertones that complement the earthy mushroom and creamy sauce elements.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 30mg