Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Rotini
This Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Rotini is a delectable dish that combines the earthy flavors of mixed mushrooms and the freshness of spinach, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this pasta dish is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. With a blend of garlic, fresh thyme, and basil, every bite is a delightful experience. Serve it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch of indulgence.
4
Servings
295
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
rotini noodles
12 ounces (Cook according to package instructions)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (N/A)
garlic
3 cloves (Minced)
onion
1 cup (Chopped)
fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (N/A)
mixed fresh mushrooms
4 cups (Sliced (could include oyster, shiitake, cremini, portobello, etc.))
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (N/A)
milk
2 cups (N/A)
fresh spinach
2 cups (Rinsed well and chopped)
fresh basil
1/2 cup (Chopped)
salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (N/A)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
to taste (For serving)
Instructions
1
Cook the rotini noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2
In a large non-stick pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and fresh thyme, sautéing for about one minute until fragrant.
3
Stir in the sliced mixed mushrooms and sauté for roughly 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms are golden brown and their juices start to release.
4
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir for about one minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
5
Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, cooking for about 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
6
Lower the heat and add the chopped spinach and fresh basil to the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook until the spinach wilts down, about 2-3 minutes.
7
Combine the cooked rotini with the creamy mushroom and spinach sauce, tossing to ensure the pasta is well coated.
8
Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each plate.
Nutrition Information
8.5g
Fat
38.8g
Carbs
11.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Rotini?
It is a vegetarian pasta dish featuring rotini noodles, mixed mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a rich, milk-based creamy sauce flavored with garlic, thyme, and basil.
What types of mushrooms are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 4 cups of sliced mixed fresh mushrooms, which can include varieties like oyster, shiitake, cremini, or portobello.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses mushrooms, spinach, milk, and cheese, and contains no meat products.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Rotini?
Each serving contains approximately 295 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 11.25 grams of protein.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of rotini?
While the recipe calls for 12 ounces of rotini noodles, you can substitute other pasta shapes that hold sauce well, though the name of the dish would change.
How long should I sauté the mushrooms?
You should sauté the sliced mushrooms for roughly 8 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and their juices release.
How is the creamy sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by sprinkling 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the mushrooms and then gradually stirring in 2 cups of milk until it boils and thickens.
What fresh herbs are needed for this dish?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme and 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil.
How much spinach is used and how should it be prepared?
You will need 2 cups of fresh spinach that has been rinsed well and chopped.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
There are 8.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 38.8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
When should the fresh basil be added?
The fresh basil is added toward the end of the cooking process, along with the chopped spinach, after the sauce has thickened.
How do I prepare the garlic and onion?
You should mince 3 cloves of garlic and chop 1 cup of onion before sautéing them in olive oil.
What is the recommended garnish for this pasta?
The dish should be garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each plate before serving.
Do I need to cook the rotini all the way through initially?
The instructions recommend cooking the noodles until al dente according to the package instructions before draining.
How long does it take for the spinach to wilt in the sauce?
The spinach should take about 2-3 minutes to wilt down into the sauce over lower heat.
Is olive oil the only fat used for sautéing?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the garlic, onion, and thyme.
How do I ensure the flour doesn't taste raw?
After sprinkling the flour over the mushrooms, stir it for about one minute to cook off the raw taste before adding the milk.
How much milk is required for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of milk.
What should I do after the sauce and pasta are both ready?
Combine the cooked rotini with the creamy mushroom and spinach sauce, tossing them together to ensure the pasta is well coated.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is described as having earthy mushroom flavors, fresh herbal notes from thyme and basil, and a rich, savory creaminess.
Can I use frozen mushrooms?
The recipe specifically recommends fresh mixed mushrooms for the best texture and flavor.
Is there any salt or pepper in the recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of salt is used, and freshly ground pepper is added to taste.
What kind of pan is best for making the sauce?
A large non-stick pan is recommended for sautéing the vegetables and building the sauce.
Is this a good recipe for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy dinner' and 'comfort food,' making it ideal for a quick yet satisfying evening meal.
Does this recipe include any sugar or sodium information?
The provided data does not list specific values for sugar or sodium beyond the 1 teaspoon of added salt.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 13 ingredients in total used for this recipe.
Should I serve this dish hot or cold?
This dish is intended to be served hot immediately after tossing the pasta with the sauce.