Ingredients
- Pasta Base:
- 14 oz (400g) farfalle pasta (or your favorite shape)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- Vegetables:
- 14 oz (400g) mushrooms, sliced
- 10 oz (300g) fresh spinach
- Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (125ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil farfalle pasta in salted water until al dente, following package instructions.
- Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté sliced onions for 2–3 minutes until translucent and lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add mushrooms and sauté for about 3 minutes until golden brown. Remove mushrooms and place them with the onions.
- Add spinach to the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes or until just wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a plate and drain excess liquid.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Heat a small amount of oil in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the skillet with vegetable broth, scraping any bits from the bottom for flavor.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional chili flakes. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine Everything:
- Add the onions, mushrooms, and spinach back into the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, mixing well to coat evenly in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional Parmesan or Italian seasoning as desired.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red chili flakes for added heat, if preferred.
Notes
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Cook pasta just shy of al dente before combining with the sauce; it will finish cooking in the skillet.
- Flavor Boost: Deglaze the pan thoroughly to incorporate all those browned bits into the sauce.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: Low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes