Creamy Vodka Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms
Italian-American style creamy vodka sauce with sautéed mushrooms and wilted spinach. Balanced with a touch of brightness, this dish combines a velvety tomato-cream base, sautéed mushrooms, and a quick bloom of garlic and chili for weeknight elegance.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
Servings:
2 servings
(originally 4 servings)Ingredients(scaled)
- 6 oz long pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ 1/2 cup vodka
- ½ cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain.
- Sauté mushrooms in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high until browned, 4–5 minutes; season with salt.
- Add remaining olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in vodka; simmer 2–3 minutes until reduced by half and lightly aromatic.
- Stir in tomato puree and simmer 3 minutes; reduce heat to low.
- Stir in cream and parmesan; simmer until sauce thickens, 2–3 minutes.
- Add spinach and pasta water; cook 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce coats pasta.
- Toss in pasta, adjust salt/pepper, and finish with lemon juice if using; serve with extra parmesan.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Use good quality tomato puree for smoother sauce.
- Let vodka reduce fully for a richer flavor.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon to brighten the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a light salad and crusty bread; serve topped with extra parmesan and a pinch of chili flakes.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of pasta water to loosen sauce.
Nutritional Estimates
Per serving · 2 servings total
| calories | 642 |
|---|---|
| protein | 20 |
| carbs | 72 |
| fat | 31 |
Community Ratings & Comments
No ratings yet. Be the first!
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to leave one!