Healthy Farfalle with Mushrooms and Spinach Recipe

Farfalle with Mushrooms and Spinach is a delicious, simple dish that brings together the richness of a creamy Parmesan sauce with the hearty flavors of fresh spinach, savory mushrooms, and caramelized onions. It’s the kind of meal that feels like comfort food but doesn’t take hours to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this pasta dish is sure to satisfy.

In this article, we’ll explore how to make this creamy, vegetarian farfalle pasta from start to finish, share some cooking tips, and offer ingredient substitutions to make this recipe even more flexible.

What Is Farfalle Pasta?

Farfalle, often called bow-tie pasta due to its distinct shape, is a versatile Italian pasta that pairs wonderfully with creamy sauces. The term “farfalle” actually means “butterflies” in Italian, which is a fitting description for its shape. Farfalle is traditionally made in the Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna regions of Northern Italy, dating back to the 16th century.

This pasta’s unique shape allows it to hold onto sauce perfectly, making it an ideal choice for creamy dishes like this one. It’s commonly used in both creamy and tomato-based pasta sauces, and even in cold salads. The texture and shape of farfalle bring a comforting, satisfying element to the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this creamy farfalle with mushrooms and spinach, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 large yellow onions, sliced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

For the Creamy Pasta Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 10 oz mushrooms, sliced (button mushrooms work best, but you can use other varieties)
• 6 oz fresh spinach
• 1 cup half-and-half (or substitute with a mix of heavy cream and milk)
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz farfalle pasta

How to Caramelize Onions

Caramelized onions add a sweet, savory depth to this dish, and while it might seem like a lengthy process, it’s actually pretty simple. Here’s how to caramelize onions to perfection:

1. Heat the Oil: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
2. Add the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the skillet. Stir them frequently to prevent burning and to ensure they cook evenly.
3. First Stage (10 minutes): Let the onions cook for 10 minutes over high heat. They should begin to brown, but make sure they don’t burn.
4. Lower the Heat: Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook the onions for another 10 minutes. Add a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture.
5. Final Stage (10 minutes): Lower the heat further to medium-low, stirring occasionally. Allow the onions to turn a deep golden-brown color, which takes about 10 more minutes.
6. Deglaze with Balsamic Vinegar: Once the onions are fully caramelized, remove them from the heat and add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan. Stir to coat the onions and release any delicious fond (browned bits) stuck to the skillet. Set aside.

Farfalle with Mushrooms and Spinach Recipe 

Cooking Mushrooms and Spinach

The mushrooms and spinach bring freshness and earthiness to the dish, balancing out the richness of the creamy sauce.

1. Cook the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are soft and browned.
2. Add the Spinach: Next, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts and reduces in size. This should only take a couple of minutes. If your skillet seems too crowded, you can add the spinach in batches.

Making the Creamy Pasta Sauce

The heart of this dish lies in its creamy sauce, which brings everything together. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the skillet with the mushrooms and spinach, add 1 cup of half-and-half (or a mixture of heavy cream and milk if you don’t have half-and-half). Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. As the cream heats up, it will start to thicken slightly.
2. Add Parmesan: Stir in ⅔ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese and ¼ teaspoon salt. Continue to stir as the cheese melts into the sauce, making it smooth and velvety. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Combine the Caramelized Onions: Once the sauce has thickened, add the caramelized onions back into the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring that the onions are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Cooking the Farfalle Pasta

While preparing the sauce, you can cook the farfalle pasta. Here’s how:

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of farfalle pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. For al dente pasta, it’s usually around 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, but reserve a cup of pasta water for later use in case the sauce needs thinning.

Bringing Everything Together

Now that you have your caramelized onions, creamy pasta sauce, and cooked pasta ready, it’s time to bring everything together:

1. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained farfalle to the skillet with the creamy sauce and vegetables. Toss everything together gently on low heat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to thin it out.
2. Reheat: Let the farfalle sit in the skillet for a couple of minutes to reheat and absorb the flavors from the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
3. Serve: Once everything is mixed and heated through, serve the creamy farfalle pasta immediately. You can top it with additional shredded Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for extra flavor.

Customizing Your Farfalle Pasta

While this creamy farfalle with mushrooms and spinach is delicious as is, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations:

• Add Protein: If you want to add some protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even bacon would pair wonderfully with this dish.
• Go Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, swap out the farfalle for gluten-free pasta. There are many great gluten-free pasta options available.
• Make it Vegan: To make this dish vegan, substitute the half-and-half with coconut milk or almond milk, and replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative. You can also use a vegan butter in place of olive oil for cooking.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables to the mix! Peas, roasted red peppers, or zucchini would all work well in this dish.

Side Dishes to Serve with Farfalle

If you’re looking to make this dish into a more complete meal, here are some perfect side dishes to serve with farfalle:

Garlic Bread: Freshly baked garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce!

Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. You can use spinach, arugula, or mixed greens with a few sliced tomatoes for added flavor.

Tomato Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing tomato cucumber salad with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice is another great side dish option.

Nutritional Information for Farfalle with Mushrooms and Spinach

Farfalle with mushrooms and spinach is not only comforting and delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving, assuming you serve four portions:

These nutritional values can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use and any modifications made to the recipe.

Tips for Perfecting Your Farfalle with Mushrooms and Spinach 

To make sure your farfalle with mushrooms and spinach turns out perfect every time, here are some tips:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Pasta can quickly become mushy if overcooked. Be sure to follow the package instructions and test the pasta a minute or two before the indicated time to ensure it’s al dente.

Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach works best for this recipe. Pre-washed spinach is convenient, but if you can, opt for fresh, whole spinach for better texture and flavor.

Adjust the Sauce Consistency: Depending on how creamy or thick you like your sauce, feel free to adjust it by adding a little more half-and-half or pasta water. Always add liquid slowly to avoid making the sauce too thin.

Layering the Flavors: Don’t skip the caramelization of the onions. The slow cooking of the onions in balsamic vinegar adds a deep, rich flavor that makes the dish stand out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making creamy farfalle with mushrooms and spinach is easy, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

Burning the Garlic: If you’re adding garlic to the recipe, be careful not to burn it. Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter if overcooked, so add it right before the onions or mushrooms for better flavor.

Not Seasoning Enough: Pasta and sauce benefit from proper seasoning. Taste your sauce as it simmers and adjust the salt to your liking. Freshly cracked black pepper also adds a wonderful layer of flavor.

Adding Cheese Too Quickly: When making the creamy sauce, add the Parmesan cheese gradually. If you add it too quickly or in one go, it may clump instead of melting smoothly into the sauce.

FAQs On Farfalle with Mushrooms and Spinach

1. What is farfalle traditionally served with?

Farfalle, or bow-tie pasta, is traditionally served with a variety of sauces, including creamy sauces, tomato-based sauces, and pesto. It pairs well with dishes that include vegetables, like spinach or broccoli, as well as proteins like chicken, sausage, or seafood. Farfalle is also commonly used in pasta salads due to its shape, which holds dressings and sauces well.

2. What is spinach farfalle?

Spinach farfalle refers to a dish that combines farfalle pasta with spinach. The spinach can be used in various ways, from being wilted into the sauce to being blended into a creamy base. It’s a light, nutritious addition to pasta that complements the richness of creamy sauces or tomato-based dishes. Sometimes, spinach-flavored farfalle pasta is used, which has spinach incorporated into the dough itself, giving it a green hue and an earthy taste.

3. How to make mushroom and spinach pasta?

To make mushroom and spinach pasta, follow these steps:

1. Sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil until soft.
2. Add fresh spinach and cook until it wilts.
3. Prepare a creamy sauce with cream and Parmesan cheese, then stir in the cooked mushrooms and spinach.
4. Cook your pasta (like farfalle), drain, and toss with the creamy mushroom-spinach sauce.
5. Serve with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper for a delicious meal!

4. Can I make this farfalle recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components of the farfalle with mushrooms and spinach in advance. Caramelize the onions a day or two ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You can also cook the mushrooms and spinach and store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat everything together and add the pasta.

5. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese in this recipe?

If you prefer to avoid Parmesan, you can substitute with other cheeses such as Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or even a vegan cheese alternative if you’re following a plant-based diet. Nutritional yeast is also a great vegan substitute that adds a cheesy flavor.

Farfalle with Mushrooms and Spinach Recipe Card

Ingredients:

• For the Caramelized Onions:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 large yellow onions, sliced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• For the Creamy Pasta Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 10 oz mushrooms, sliced (button mushrooms preferred)
  • 6 oz fresh spinach
  • 1 cup half-and-half (or substitute with a mix of heavy cream and milk)
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

• For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz farfalle pasta

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the Onions:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add sliced onions and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently until they begin to brown.
   • Reduce the heat to medium and cook for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn deep brown. Add a pinch of salt halfway through.
   • Deglaze with balsamic vinegar, stir to coat, and set aside.

2. Cook the Mushrooms and Spinach:

   • In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
   • Add spinach and stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

   • Add 1 cup of half-and-half to the skillet with mushrooms and spinach. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce to low heat.
   • Stir in ⅔ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese and ¼ teaspoon salt. Continue to simmer until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens.

4. Combine and Serve:

   • Add the caramelized onions back into the skillet, then toss in the cooked farfalle pasta. Stir gently to combine everything.
   • If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes:

• For Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon to this dish for extra protein.
• For a Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free farfalle pasta.
• Vegan Option: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of half-and-half and opt for dairy-free cheese.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Method: Stovetop

Cuisine: Italian