Italian > Pasta > Creamy Pasta

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Primavera Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of pasta
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or saucepan

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted water until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are tender and browned.
5. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, and add dried basil and oregano. Stir to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until they are wilted.
8. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce.
9. Toss the pasta and sauce together until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
10. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and serve.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 500
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 16g
Sodium: 500mg
Sugar: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk.
- Instead of chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or water.
- Instead of fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained.

Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta for extra protein.
- Use different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello.
- Add diced tomatoes to the sauce for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to salt the pasta water generously to add flavor to the pasta.
- Reserve some of the pasta water before draining the pasta in case you need to thin out the sauce.
- Use a good quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the pasta in a large serving bowl or on individual plates.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.

Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer on the stove for a few minutes to thicken up.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta and sauce to the proper temperature to ensure food safety.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator promptly.

Food history:
Pasta primavera originated in the 1970s in New York City and typically includes fresh vegetables and a cream sauce.

Flavor profiles:
Creamy, savory, and slightly herbaceous.

Serving suggestions:
Serve hot as a main dish.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Creamy, Savory, Mushroomy, Spinachy, Garlicky, Herby