This One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta is creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor—an easy vegetarian dinner you can have on the table in under 30 minutes. Tender farfalle pasta is tossed with sautéed mushrooms, onions, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It tastes like something from your favorite restaurant but is made with simple, everyday ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, meatless Mondays, or when you’re craving a cozy pasta dish without the fuss.

Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need

14 oz (400g) farfalle pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
14 oz (400g) mushrooms, sliced
10 oz (300g) fresh spinach
1/2 cup (125ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (adjust to your liking)
1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta

This recipe is the ultimate win: simple ingredients, quick cooking time, and tons of flavor. Mushrooms add a rich, earthy bite, spinach keeps everything bright and fresh, and the Parmesan cream sauce ties the whole dish together beautifully. Even though it’s meatless, it’s satisfying, hearty, and ultra creamy—no one misses the protein.

How to Make This One-Pot Parmesan Pasta

Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious creamy spinach mushroom pasta:

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil the farfalle in salted water until al dente, following the package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Onions

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 2–3 minutes, until lightly browned and aromatic. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the mushrooms for about 3 minutes, until golden and browned. Transfer to the plate with the onions.

4. Wilt the Spinach

Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, just until wilted. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain any excess moisture, then transfer to a separate plate.

5. Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Add a splash of oil to the skillet and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds. Deglaze with the vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add the cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and optional chili flakes. Stir and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Combine Everything

Return the onions, mushrooms, spinach, and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. Add more Parmesan or seasoning to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Use your favorite mushrooms: Button, portabella, cremini, shiitake—anything works.
Cook ingredients separately: This keeps the mushrooms from steaming and helps the spinach stay vibrant and flavorful.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Mushrooms need space to brown properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
Choose the right Parmesan: Finely grated Parmesan melts best. Avoid pre-shaved or sandy-style Parmesan that won’t incorporate smoothly.
Add chili flakes: They bring a perfect hint of heat to balance the creamy sauce.

What to Serve with This Creamy Pasta

This dish is satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with:

A fresh green salad
Garlic bread
Roasted veggies
A light soup starter

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave and add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

More Pasta Recipes to Try

20-Minute Sausage Pasta Skillet
Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta
Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta