Description
Creamy bow tie pasta with mushrooms, spinach, and a garlicky Parmesan sauce—an easy, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic and Spinach: Reduce heat slightly. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt, about 1-2 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring gently. Heat through without boiling. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and sauce thickens.
- Season to Taste: Add salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg for depth of flavor. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if desired.
- Combine Everything: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, stirring to coat with sauce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Protein Options: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
- Cheese Variations: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or cashew cream; replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bow tie pasta.
- Extra Vegetables: Add sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: creamy pasta, bow tie pasta, garlic Parmesan sauce, spinach pasta, mushroom pasta