Description
Indulge in this luxurious Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta! Featuring roasted mushrooms, caramelized garlic, fresh spinach, and a rich cream cheese sauce, this vegetarian dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s a comforting pasta recipe everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 14 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic bulb, roasted (or 6–7 cloves, minced)
- 14 oz mushrooms (baby bella or button), sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 7 oz baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 7 oz cream cheese, softened
Seasonings:
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Roast the Garlic (Optional):
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut off the top of the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes until soft and caramelized. Squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the roasted or minced garlic and thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to create a creamy sauce.
- Add Spinach and Combine:
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy mushroom sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve:
- Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and garnish with additional thyme or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Vegan: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use vegan pasta.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.
- Variations: Add red chili flakes for a spicy kick or top with toasted breadcrumbs for added texture.
