Get ready to fall in love with Creamy Mushroom Spinach Bowtie Pasta—a comforting, weeknight wonder where perfectly cooked farfalle gets cozy with garlicky sautéed mushrooms, golden caramelized onions, and baby spinach, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce with just a flicker of heat. Every forkful is earthy, silky, and packed with flavor, making it the ultimate choice for those days when you crave something both hearty and a little bit indulgent.

Creamy Mushroom Spinach Bowtie Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Mushroom Spinach Bowtie Pasta comes from a handful of humble ingredients that work together to create incredible depth and texture. Each element plays its part, bringing a unique color or flavor—making even an ordinary night taste special.

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: The pretty, ruffled edges of bowtie pasta cleverly scoop up creamy sauce in every bite.
Olive oil: Provides a rich base for sautéing and lends a subtle fruitiness to the finished dish.
Onion: Caramelized until golden, onions add surprising sweetness and complexity.
Mushrooms (cremini or baby bella): These bring an earthy, almost meaty flavor that’s pure comfort.
Fresh spinach: Just a quick wilt adds color, freshness, and a hint of bitterness.
Garlic: Minced garlic delivers those fragrant, irresistible undertones.
Red pepper flakes: A whisper of spice cuts through the richness, waking up every mouthful.
Dried basil: Adds a herbaceous note that gently perfumes the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: This is where all silkiness comes to play—thick, dreamy, and indulgent.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty, Parmesan melts perfectly into the sauce for maximum flavor.
Salt and pepper: These trusty seasonings bring every ingredient into perfect balance.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Spinach Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

Begin by boiling your bowtie pasta in generously salted water until it hits that perfect al dente stage. Don’t overcook—you want those nice, chewy edges to cradle the creamy sauce later. Drain and set aside so it’s ready when everything else comes together.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and toss in those thinly sliced onions. Sauté them for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and caramelized. That deep, sweet onion flavor adds a surprising depth to the final dish. Once they’re done, spoon them out of the pan and set aside for now.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

Keep the same skillet hot and pour in the rest of your olive oil. Add the mushrooms and leave them undisturbed for a few moments so they start to brown, then stir until all sides are tender and caramelized—about 6–7 minutes. Their water will evaporate, leaving behind an earthy, satisfying base for the sauce.

Step 4: Build the Aromatic Base

Sprinkle the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried basil into the skillet. Stir for about a minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant (be careful not to burn it). This short step is where the Creamy Mushroom Spinach Bowtie Pasta gets its signature aromatic lift.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to your skillet. It might seem like a lot, but it will quickly shrink as it cooks. Stir until the leaves are just wilted, keeping that gorgeous bright green color for a fresh pop in your pasta.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and watch it melt into the sauce until everything turns smooth and perfectly creamy. The slight saltiness from the cheese ties every ingredient together in a dreamy embrace.

Step 7: Toss and Finish

Return the cooked pasta and caramelized onions to the pan. Toss everything together until each bowtie is beautifully coated in that rich mushroom-spinach sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve it up piping hot with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and some red pepper flakes if you crave more heat.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Spinach Bowtie Pasta

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, a flurry of freshly grated Parmesan over each steaming bowl is a must. A few extra red pepper flakes will add color and subtle heat, while a handful of chopped fresh parsley brings brightness and a restaurant-style look to your Creamy Mushroom Spinach Bowtie Pasta.

Side Dishes

This dish loves good company! Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed with lemony dressing, or some warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of creamy sauce. For a fulfilling meal, roasted vegetables—like asparagus or bell peppers—give the table a splash of vibrant color and an extra dose of nutrients.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Creamy Mushroom Spinach Bowtie Pasta presentation to the next level by serving it in shallow bowls with a dramatic twist of cracked black pepper on top. Nestle some sautéed mushrooms on the side or finish with a delicate drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. If you’re hosting, offer it family-style from a large, rustic platter for that cozy, communal vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your Creamy Mushroom Spinach Bowtie Pasta completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic choice for easy lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, you can freeze this pasta in a pinch. Place portions in freezer-safe containers and enjoy within one month for the best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to keep that signature creaminess. Microwave reheating works too, just cover and pause to stir every minute or so.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta beautifully matches the sauce’s texture, penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine would all work wonderfully in Creamy Mushroom Spinach Bowtie Pasta. Just adjust your cooking time for the pasta shape you pick.

What mushrooms are best for this recipe?

Cremini or baby bella mushrooms are perfect for this dish because of their earthy depth and meaty texture, but you can substitute white button mushrooms, shiitake, or mix a few varieties for a more complex flavor.

Can I make this pasta vegan?

You sure can! Swap out the heavy cream for your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk (like cashew cream or coconut cream) and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. Creamy Mushroom Spinach Bowtie Pasta can easily be adapted for a plant-based crowd.

How can I add protein to this meal?

Toss in some cooked white beans, grilled chicken strips, or even sautéed tofu cubes for an extra boost of protein. These additions seamlessly blend with the creamy sauce and hearty vegetables.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has just a subtle kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your spice preference, or skip them entirely if you prefer a milder Creamy Mushroom Spinach Bowtie Pasta experience.

Final Thoughts

If quick, comforting, and full-flavored dinners are your jam, you’re going to love making Creamy Mushroom Spinach Bowtie Pasta part of your weekly rotation. It’s cozy, simple to prepare, and bound to become a household favorite—so grab your skillet and get cooking!

Creamy Mushroom Spinach Bowtie Pasta Recipe