Spinach & Mushroom White Sauce Pasta 🍄🥬🧄🧈 Silky, Savory, and Packed With Umami-Rich Veggies in a Creamy Garlic Sauce

This is the kind of pasta that feels both indulgent and nourishing — earthy mushrooms, wilted spinach, and a velvety white sauce that brings it all together. It’s satisfying without being heavy and comes together quickly with everyday ingredients.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the pasta

• 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni
• Salted water for boiling
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

For the vegetables

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms (cremini, button, or mix)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups baby spinach (or chopped regular spinach)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes or thyme

For the white sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole preferred or 1½ cups milk + ½ cup cream)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan or Gruyère
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

To finish

• Extra grated cheese
• Chopped parsley or chives
• Optional: drizzle of olive oil or chili crisp

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sauté mushrooms and spinach
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium. Add mushrooms and cook undisturbed 3–4 minutes, then stir and continue cooking until browned. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute. Add spinach and cook until just wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or thyme. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the white sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a light roux. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Simmer 4–5 minutes until thickened. Stir in cheese, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Adjust consistency with a splash of pasta water if needed.

Step 4: Combine and toss
Add pasta and sautéed veggies to the sauce. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated and glossy. Thin with more pasta water as needed.

Step 5: Serve hot
Top with extra cheese, herbs, and an optional drizzle of olive oil or chili oil for contrast.

Flavor Variations

• Use roasted garlic for sweeter depth
• Add peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions
• Stir in a spoonful of pesto or Dijon mustard for brightness
• Use smoked cheese (like provolone or smoked mozzarella) for extra depth
• Finish with lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon for lift

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the mushrooms — give them space to brown
• Whisk the milk in slowly to avoid lumps in the sauce
• Grate your own cheese for a smoother melt
• Add pasta water gradually — it helps emulsify and coat the pasta
• Season the sauce after the cheese is added to avoid oversalting

Final Thoughts

Spinach & Mushroom White Sauce Pasta is creamy, savory, and earthy — the perfect meatless comfort meal. It’s cozy and flexible, whether you’re cooking for guests or just craving something warm and satisfying.

Sauté it. Whisk it. Let the mushrooms do the magic. 🍄🥬🧄🧈

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

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🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

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