Pasta Recipe: Creamy Penne Florentine With Mushrooms And Spinach

Pasta is one of those dishes we never tire of. There are so many possible variations, you’ll never run out of ideas and you can still be wowed with a delicious sauce. Pasta Florentine is one of those tried-and-true recipes that always tastes good and is easy to make: the “Florentine” element being the creamy mushroom and spinach sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. (Chicken or salmon Florentine are also tasty options, but require a little more effort in terms of preparation and attention.)

This meal is a great choice because it’s simple to make, but has lovely presentation and can be whipped up for a fancier dinner or special occasion. We don’t know about you, but we love dishes that look and taste beautiful without having to spend hours making them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Penne Florentine with Mushrooms and Spinach is a delightful blend of comforting flavors and textures. The creamy sauce clings to the penne perfectly, while the mushrooms add an earthy depth and the spinach offers a fresh, vibrant touch. It’s an easy recipe that feels indulgent without the fuss!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large pan or skillet
• Colander
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

• 8-10 oz. penne pasta
• 3 cups medium mushrooms (shiitake or porcini), stems removed, sliced
• 3 cups spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat and sauté mushrooms, seasoned with salt and covered, for 15-20 minutes, or until softened. Stir occasionally and reduce heat if mushrooms start to burn.
3. Add spinach to mushrooms and pour in lemon juice. Cook until wilted, then add walnuts.
4. Cook pasta according to packaging directions, or until al dente. Drain (reserving 1/2 cup pasta water) and set aside.
5. Add heavy cream to the spinach and mushrooms, stirring well, and mix in Parmesan cheese. If sauce is too thick, add pasta water one tablespoon at a time.
6. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if necessary.
7. Pour drained pasta into the sauce and toss well to coat thoroughly. Cook on low heat for 5 minutes, or until sauce thickens and sticks to pasta.
8. Transfer to serving plates, garnish with more Parmesan, and serve hot.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially the mushrooms and spinach.
• Don’t rush the mushroom cooking process; allowing them to soften and brown slightly adds depth to the sauce.
• Adjust the creaminess by adding reserved pasta water gradually.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to add some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more hearty meal. For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts. You can also experiment with different types of pasta if penne isn’t your favorite.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This dish offers a rich source of calcium from the Parmesan cheese, vitamin A from the spinach, and healthy fats from the walnuts and olive oil.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any pasta that holds sauce well, like fusilli or rigatoni, will work.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream? You can use half and half or a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter version.

How can I make this dish vegan? Substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Conclusion

This Creamy Penne Florentine with Mushrooms and Spinach is the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a special dinner with friends. Its rich flavors and delightful textures will surely impress anyone who tries it. Give it a go and share your culinary success stories with us!