Description
This Simple Mushroom Spinach Pasta Salad is a quick and flavorful dish combining al dente farfalle pasta with sautĂ©ed mushrooms, fresh spinach, pine nuts, and a zesty lemon dressing. Enhanced with garlic, red pepper flakes, and vegan parmesan, it’s a perfect light meal or side dish ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz Farfalle pasta (preferably Barilla for best al dente texture)
- Water (enough to boil pasta)
- 1 tsp salt
Vegetables & Nuts
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
- 1 cup edamame (cooked and shelled)
- 6 oz baby spinach
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp pine nuts
Seasonings & Oils
- 3 tbsp olive oil (Filippio Berio extra virgin recommended)
- 8 garlic cloves, smashed and finely minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1.5 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tbsp vegan butter (Miyoko’s Creamery suggested for rich buttery flavor)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegan parmesan
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: To the mushrooms, add the smashed and minced garlic, red pepper flakes, paprika, oregano, and pine nuts. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the pine nuts are lightly toasted.
- Combine Vegetables: Stir in the edamame, baby spinach, and parsley. Cook for 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is well mixed.
- Add Vegan Butter and Seasoning: Add the vegan butter to the skillet; stir until melted and combined with the vegetables. Season with black pepper and lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Mix Pasta and Dressing: Transfer the cooked pasta to the skillet with the mushroom and spinach mixture. Toss everything together gently until well combined and heated through.
- Finish with Vegan Parmesan: Sprinkle the vegan parmesan over the pasta salad and give it a final toss to evenly distribute the cheese.
- Serve: Serve the pasta salad warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for later use.
Notes
- You can substitute farfalle with any short pasta like penne or rotini if preferred.
- For added protein, chickpeas or grilled tofu can be mixed in.
- The recipe is vegan-friendly and free from gluten if using gluten-free pasta.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.