This delightful pasta dish bursts with the flavors of earthy mushrooms, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach. The alluring aroma of garlic and onion sautéed in olive oil, along with the light crispness of white wine, adds depth and complexity to the dish. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal.
While most of the ingredients used in this recipe are commonplace, there are a few you might want to double-check before heading to the supermarket. Pine nuts, for example, are a key ingredient that adds a lovely crunch and nuttiness to the dish. They can often be found in the baking aisle of your supermarket but if not, check the nuts and dried fruits section. Additionally, white button mushrooms are used in this recipe, but feel free to substitute them with any other variety like cremini or portobello if you prefer.
Ingredients for Pasta with Mushrooms, Tomatoes, and Spinach
Whole-wheat pasta: This is the base of the dish. It is high in fiber and has a nutty flavor that complements the earthy mushrooms and sweet tomatoes.
Butter: Used to sauté the mushrooms, it adds a smooth, rich flavor.
White button mushrooms: These mushrooms have a mild flavor that absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients well.
Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions, garlic, and tomatoes. It adds a subtle fruity note to the dish.
Red onion: Its mild, sweet flavor adds depth to the sautéed vegetables.
Garlic: Adds a savory depth to the sautéed vegetables.
Cherry tomatoes: These sweet, bite-sized tomatoes add a pop of color and a fresh, tangy flavor.
White wine: Adds acidity and depth to the dish. It also deglazes the pan, loosening up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
Baby spinach leaves: They wilt down in the pan and add a fresh, slightly bitter note to balance out the other flavors.
Toasted pine nuts: Their crunch and nutty flavor add complexity to the texture and taste of the dish.
One reader, Alicia Pool says:
This pasta recipe is a game-changer! The combination of mushrooms, tomatoes, and spinach creates a burst of flavors that's simply irresistible. The dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy night in. It's become a family favorite in our household. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required
How to cook pasta: Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente, then drain it.
How to sauté mushrooms: Melt butter in a sauté pan, add mushrooms, and cook until browned and cooked through.
How to sauté onions and tomatoes: Sauté onions until mostly soft, then add tomatoes, garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
How to wilt spinach: Add spinach to the sautéed vegetables one handful at a time, stirring until slightly wilted before adding the next batch.
How to garnish with pine nuts: Sprinkle the finished dish with toasted pine nuts before serving.
This healthy pasta recipe works amazingly for lunch and dinner! It’s mixed with button mushrooms, fresh tomatoes and spinach for a wholesome meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbwhole-wheat pasta
- 2tbspbutter
- 8ozwhite button mushrooms,or baby bella, sliced
- salt and pepper
- 2tbspolive oil
- ½medium red onion,peeled, quartered and sliced
- 5garlic cloves,peeled and thinly sliced
- 2cupscherry tomatoes,or grape, about 10 oz, halved
- ½cupwhite wine
- baby spinach leaves,3 large handfuls
- ¼cuptoasted pine nuts,and/or freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, optional toppings
Instructions
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Cook pasta in a large stockpot of generously-salted boiling water according to package instructions.
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Drain once it reaches al dente.
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While the pasta water is coming to a boil, melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
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Stir in the mushrooms and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Saute for 4 to 5 minutes until they are browned around the edges and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
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Transfer the mushrooms to a separate plate, then return the sauté pan to the heat.
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Add olive oil to the pan and heat for 30 seconds, or until shimmering.
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Add the onion, then sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, or until mostly soft, stirring occasionally.
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Stir in the tomatoes, garlic and a few generous pinches of salt and pepper, then sauté for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add in the wine, then stir to combine, making sure to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
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Add in the spinach one handful at a time, stirring it in and waiting for 1 minute or so until it is slightly wilted before adding the next batch.
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Once the spinach is wilted and the pasta is cooked and drained, pour the vegetable mixture in with the pasta and stir to combine.
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Serve warm, garnished with pine nuts and cheese, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 419.37kcal
- Fat: 13.54g
- Saturated Fat: 3.58g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.51g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.08g
- Carbohydrates: 63.70g
- Fiber: 1.74g
- Sugar: 3.11g
- Protein: 13.99g
- Cholesterol: 10.18mg
- Sodium: 515.92mg
- Calcium: 54.23mg
- Potassium: 520.60mg
- Iron: 3.70mg
- Vitamin A: 72.74µg
- Vitamin C: 11.23mg
Expert Advice: Technique Tip for Enhancing the Flavors
When sautéing the mushrooms, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows the mushrooms to brown evenly and develop a deep, savory flavor. If the pan is too crowded, the mushrooms will steam instead of sauté, resulting in a less flavorful dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Pasta Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare what you can in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for a one-pot recipe to minimize cleanup and save time on washing dishes.
Multitask: While the pasta is cooking, use that time to prepare the sauce or side dishes to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Quick-cooking pasta: Choose quick-cooking pasta varieties to reduce the overall cooking time for the dish.
Frozen vegetables: Consider using frozen vegetables to save time on washing, peeling, and chopping fresh produce.
Substitute Ingredients For Pasta with Mushrooms, Tomatoes & Spinach Recipe
whole-wheat pasta - Substitute with gluten-free pasta: This substitution is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies, providing a similar texture and taste to the dish.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, adding a rich flavor and smooth texture to the dish.
white button mushrooms - Substitute with cremini mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms have a similar earthy flavor and texture, making them a suitable substitute for white button mushrooms.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a convenient alternative, especially when fresh cherry tomatoes are not available.
white wine - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a savory depth of flavor similar to white wine, making it a suitable non-alcoholic substitute.
baby spinach leaves - Substitute with kale leaves: Kale leaves can be used as a heartier alternative to spinach, adding a robust texture and flavor to the dish.
toasted pine nuts - Substitute with toasted almonds: Toasted almonds can offer a similar nutty crunch and flavor, serving as a suitable replacement for pine nuts.
Plating Ideas for a Delightful Presentation
Elevate the plating: When presenting this dish, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use colorful and vibrant ingredients to add visual appeal. Consider the contrast of the earthy mushrooms, bright tomatoes, and vibrant spinach to create an eye-catching plate.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Use balsamic reduction or truffle oil to create elegant and artistic drizzles on the plate. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the overall presentation.
Garnish with precision: Carefully place the toasted pine nuts and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on the dish. The precision in garnishing adds a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose porcelain or ceramic serving dishes to elevate the presentation. The choice of serving ware can enhance the perception of the dish's quality and attention to detail.
Consider the negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out. Avoid overcrowding the plate and let the colors and textures of the dish speak for themselves.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making pasta with mushrooms, tomatoes and spinach recipe
- Large stockpot: A large, deep pot used for boiling pasta or cooking large batches of soups and stews.
- Sauté pan: A wide, shallow pan with straight sides and a long handle, used for sautéing, frying, and making sauces.
- Stockpot: A large, deep pot with a lid and handles, used for making stocks, soups, and boiling pasta or vegetables.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforated holes used for draining liquids from food, such as pasta or vegetables.
- Tongs: A kitchen tool consisting of two arms with a pivot near the handle, used for gripping and lifting food items.
- Grater: A kitchen utensil with a rough surface used for shredding or grating cheese, vegetables, or other foods.
- Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
- Cutting board: A durable board used as a surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used for measuring precise amounts of ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Wooden spoon: A cooking utensil with a long handle and a rounded end, used for stirring, mixing, and tasting food.
- Pasta pot: A large, deep pot with a strainer insert, specifically designed for cooking and draining pasta.
- Cheese grater: A kitchen tool designed for grating cheese into fine pieces for use in recipes.
- Wine opener: A tool used for removing corks from wine bottles.
- Toaster: An appliance used for toasting bread or bagels.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Stove: A cooking appliance with burners or heating elements used for cooking food in pots and pans.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for pasta with mushrooms, tomatoes and spinach recipe
- Let the pasta cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the pasta dish, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. The pasta can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to eat the frozen pasta, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To reheat the pasta, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the pasta seems dry after reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to help moisten it and bring back its original texture.
- Garnish the reheated pasta with fresh baby spinach leaves, toasted pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop method: place the leftover pasta in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a knob of butter to prevent sticking and to add flavor. Stir the pasta gently until it's heated through, about 5-7 minutes. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to help loosen it up.
Microwave method: transfer the leftover pasta to a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the pasta from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the mushrooms and spinach to become rubbery.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover pasta to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to allow any excess moisture to evaporate and to slightly crisp up the top of the pasta.
Add moisture: if your leftover pasta seems dry, add a splash of water, vegetable broth, or cream to help loosen it up and restore its creamy texture. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter for added richness.
Adjust seasoning: taste your reheated pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt, black pepper, or some fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten up the flavors.
Garnish and serve: once your pasta is heated through and seasoned to your liking, transfer it to serving dishes. Garnish with some extra pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Serve and enjoy your delicious leftover pasta with mushrooms, tomatoes, and spinach!
Interesting Trivia About pasta with mushrooms, tomatoes and spinach recipe
Pasta with mushrooms, tomatoes and spinach is a delicious and nutritious dish that is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Spinach, for example, is an excellent source of iron and calcium, while mushrooms provide a good dose of antioxidants. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its health benefits. This dish is not only flavorful but also offers a range of health benefits, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This pasta with mushrooms, tomatoes and spinach recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as whole-wheat pasta, mushrooms, tomatoes, and spinach, are generally affordable and readily available. The addition of white wine and toasted pine nuts may slightly increase the cost, but they are optional. With an approximate cost of $15, this recipe can serve a household of 4 people, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious flavors.
Is This Pasta Dish Healthy or Not?
This pasta with mushrooms, tomatoes, and spinach recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats. The whole-wheat pasta provides fiber and complex carbohydrates, while the mushrooms, tomatoes, and spinach contribute vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The olive oil and pine nuts add heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of butter used to sauté the mushrooms, or replace it with additional olive oil to minimize saturated fat intake
- Consider using a low-sodium vegetable broth instead of white wine to reduce the overall alcohol and sodium content
- Add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant, to increase the fiber and nutrient density of the dish
- Optionally, reduce the amount of pasta and increase the proportion of vegetables to create a more balanced meal
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, you could:
- Sprinkle the dish with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley to add flavor and antioxidants
- Use a variety of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster, to provide a wider range of nutrients and textures
- Incorporate lean protein sources, like grilled chicken or shrimp, to make the meal more satiating and balanced
- Experiment with different types of whole-grain pasta, like quinoa or lentil pasta, to vary the nutrient profile and keep things interesting
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Delightful Pasta Dish
The recipe for pasta with mushrooms, tomatoes, and spinach is a delightful combination of earthy mushrooms, sweet tomatoes, and vibrant spinach. The use of white wine adds a depth of flavor, while the toasted pine nuts provide a satisfying crunch. The dish is well-balanced and offers a wholesome, comforting meal. The cooking instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to impress with its delicious flavors and textures.
Enhance Your Pasta with Mushrooms, Tomatoes & Spinach Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Pasta with Mushrooms, Tomatoes & Spinach Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of mushrooms, tomatoes, and spinach, providing a rich and flavorful dish. The use of whole-wheat pasta adds a nutritious element, while the addition of white wine infuses a depth of flavor. The inclusion of toasted pine nuts offers a satisfying crunch and nutty essence. With a balance of wholesome ingredients and a harmonious blend of flavors, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience.
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