Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Mushrooms & Spinach – A Luxurious One-Pan Comfort

This Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Mushrooms & Spinach is the definition of comfort in a bowl—rich, velvety, and packed with flavor. Tender pasta is coated in a silky Alfredo sauce made from cream, butter, and Parmesan, then tossed with sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach for an earthy, savory touch. It’s simple, elegant, and comes together in under 30 minutes. I once made this with oat milk instead of cream, and it still came out beautifully creamy. Whether you serve it as a cozy weeknight meal or a romantic dinner, this dish never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta is quick, indulgent, and full of depth thanks to the umami from mushrooms and the freshness of spinach. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home with basic ingredients and one pan. The sauce clings beautifully to every bite of pasta, and the combination of garlic, Parmesan, and cream creates an irresistible richness. It’s vegetarian, filling, and easy to customize—perfect for any pasta lover looking for a simple but decadent dinner.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne)
The ideal base for this creamy sauce. Fettuccine holds the sauce beautifully, while penne adds a bit more bite.

Butter
Adds richness and depth to the sauce. Use unsalted butter for better control of flavor.

Garlic
Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and balances the creaminess.

Mushrooms
Cremini, button, or baby bella mushrooms bring an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the Alfredo sauce.

Spinach
Adds freshness, color, and nutrients to the rich sauce—baby spinach works best.

Heavy Cream
The heart of a true Alfredo sauce, giving it that luscious, silky texture.

Parmesan Cheese
Melts into the cream to create a smooth, cheesy sauce. Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.

Olive Oil
Used to sauté the mushrooms and prevent them from sticking.

Salt and Black Pepper
Essential for balancing flavors—season generously.

Nutmeg (optional)
A classic Alfredo touch that adds subtle warmth and depth to the sauce.

Parsley (optional)
For garnish and a fresh finish.

Directions

1. Cook the pasta. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the mushrooms. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and tender. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the garlic. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the spinach. Toss in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
5. Make the Alfredo sauce. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over medium-low heat. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
6. Combine everything. Add the cooked pasta, mushrooms, and spinach back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
7. Serve. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley before serving hot.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with eas

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats beautifully with a little care.

Variations and Customizations

Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for extra protein and flavor.

Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, almond milk or oat cream, and vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

Spicy Twist: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for a touch of heat.

Lemon Garlic Alfredo: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and zest for brightness and freshness.

Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella or cream cheese for an extra creamy, stretchy texture.

Mushroom Medley: Use a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster for deeper flavor.

Pesto Blend: Stir in a spoonful of basil pesto for a herby, vibrant twist.

Truffle Touch: Drizzle with truffle oil before serving for a luxurious, gourmet finish.

Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta for an inclusive, delicious alternative.

Broccoli Alfredo: Add steamed or roasted broccoli florets for extra veggies and color.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be lighter. Use half-and-half or add a bit more Parmesan to maintain creaminess.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding to the sauce.

How do I keep the sauce from clumping?

Whisk continuously when adding Parmesan and keep the heat low to prevent separation.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and refrigerate it, then reheat gently before adding pasta.

What’s the best pasta for Alfredo sauce?

Fettuccine is classic, but any pasta that holds sauce well—like penne or rotini—works great.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, deglaze the mushrooms with ¼ cup white wine before adding the cream for extra flavor.

How can I make it extra thick?

Let the sauce simmer longer or add more Parmesan cheese.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely—broccoli, peas, or roasted red peppers all work beautifully.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, just ensure your Parmesan is made without animal rennet.

What’s the secret to silky Alfredo sauce?

Use low, gentle heat and fresh Parmesan to create a smooth, glossy texture.

Conclusion

This Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Mushrooms & Spinach is a dreamy, one-pan meal that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare. With its velvety sauce, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach, it strikes the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests, this recipe is sure to impress—and it’ll likely become a regular in your dinner rotation. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to jarred Alfredo again.

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