Buttery Farfalle with Spinach, Mushrooms & Onions Recipe

When it comes to creating a comforting farfalle with spinach, mushrooms, caramelized onions that delights every sense, this recipe stands out as a true culinary gem.

Pasta lovers rejoice in the harmonious blend of earthy mushrooms and sweet caramelized onions.

The tender farfalle becomes a perfect canvas for the vibrant green spinach, creating a dish that’s both elegant and satisfying.

Rich, complex flavors mingle in each delectable bite, promising a memorable dining experience.

Seasonal ingredients transform this simple pasta into a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll want to savor slowly.

Grab your skillet and let’s turn these humble ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 30 min

Total Time: 45 min

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 3

Farfalle with Spinach & Mushroom Ingredient Guide

• Farfalle Pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully with its butterfly shape, perfect for catching creamy textures and small vegetable pieces.
• Half-and-Half: Provides luxurious creaminess and helps adjust sauce consistency smoothly.

• Spinach, Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions: Creates a rich, earthy flavor profile with tender, deeply caramelized vegetables that add complexity and nutrition.

• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty notes that elevate the dish's overall taste, melting smoothly into the sauce and adding a delightful tangy finish.

Cooking Tools to Prep This Pasta Dish

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling pasta until al dente.
• Colander: Essential for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Large Skillet: Ideal for sautéing mushrooms, onions, and creating the creamy sauce.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sauce from sticking.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping spinach, mushrooms, and onions with precision.
• Cheese Grater: Helps shred Parmesan cheese for topping and sauce thickening.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately measuring seasonings and ingredients.

Making Pasta with Caramelized Veggies Step-by-Step

• Pasta Preparation

Select high-quality farfalle pasta and begin boiling water in a large pot with a pinch of salt for enhanced flavor.

• Vegetable Sauté

Carefully slice mushrooms and caramelize onions in a skillet with olive oil, creating a rich and aromatic base for the dish.

• Spinach Integration

Add fresh spinach leaves to the vegetable mixture, allowing them to wilt gently and absorb the deep, complex flavors developing in the pan.

• Sauce Creation

Develop a creamy sauce using techniques that blend the sautéed vegetables into a smooth, luxurious coating for the pasta.

• Pasta and Sauce Union

Combine the cooked farfalle with the vegetable sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is beautifully enrobed with the flavorful mixture.

• Final Touches

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, adding a delightful salty and nutty dimension to complete the culinary experience.

Tips for Deep Flavor and Pasta Texture

• Personalize this delightful farfalle dish with creative twists and smart cooking techniques.
• Add grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp to transform this vegetarian recipe into a hearty meal perfect for protein lovers.
• Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different nutritional profile and subtle flavor variation. Choose fresh mushrooms like cremini or shiitake to enhance the earthy undertones of the dish.
• Prepare caramelized onions and sauté mushrooms in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator for up to three days. This meal prep trick cuts down cooking time and simplifies weeknight dinner preparation.
• Keep extra Parmesan cheese and half-and-half nearby to adjust sauce thickness quickly. Gently warm sauce over low heat, stirring continuously to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

Serving Ideas for a Comforting Dinner

• Dinner Party Delight: Serve this creamy pasta dish as a stunning centerpiece for an intimate gathering with close friends or family. The rich colors and textures will spark conversation and culinary excitement.
• Gourmet Vegetarian Plate: Pair the farfalle with a crisp side salad featuring mixed greens, toasted pine nuts, and a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy richness. The fresh elements will complement the earthy mushrooms and sweet caramelized onions.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to enhance the pasta's subtle flavors. The wine's crispness will cut through the creamy sauce and highlight the delicate mushroom and spinach notes.
• Rustic Italian Presentation: Serve the pasta in large, shallow ceramic bowls with an extra sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves on top. This simple garnish adds visual appeal and a burst of herbal freshness to the dish.

Storing and Reheating Farfalle

• Fridge Fresh Window: Store this delightful pasta dish in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture absorption.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Separate pasta and sauce before freezing to prevent texture breakdown. Place in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic Trick: Warm gently in skillet with splash of half-and-half to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sauce separation and maintain smooth texture.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Chop vegetables and caramelize onions in advance. Keep ingredients refrigerated separately to assemble quickly during busy weeknights. Components stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored correctly.

Rustic Farfalle

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 min
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Savory farfalle with spinach, mushrooms, caramelized onions combines Italian pasta elegance with earthy ingredients. Creamy textures and rich flavors invite diners to savor each carefully crafted bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) farfalle pasta
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 8 oz (226 g) sliced mushrooms
• 1 large onion
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter
• 3 tablespoons (45 mL) olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 mL) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Boil Preparation: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a vigorous boil for pasta cooking.
2. Pasta Cooking: Submerge farfalle into boiling water, stirring intermittently until achieving perfect al dente texture per package instructions.
3. Onion Transformation: Warm a skillet over medium heat, gently coaxing onions into a luxurious golden-brown caramelization through consistent stirring.
4. Mushroom Elevation: In a parallel pan, intensify mushrooms’ flavor profile by sautéing until moisture evaporates and exterior turns rich golden-brown.
5. Spinach Integration: Introduce fresh spinach to mushroom pan, allowing leaves to gracefully wilt and merge with earthy mushroom undertones.
6. Pasta Preparation: Drain pasta completely, preserving a small quantity of starchy water for potential sauce modification.
7. Sauce Construction: Consolidate caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and wilted spinach in the skillet, creating a harmonious vegetable foundation.
8. Pasta Marriage: Delicately incorporate drained farfalle into vegetable mixture, ensuring comprehensive and elegant coating of each pasta piece.
9. Consistency Refinement: Modulate sauce texture by introducing reserved pasta water, achieving a silky, fluid consistency as needed.
10. Flavor Balancing: Calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper, meticulously tasting to orchestrate a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
11. Presentation: Transfer pasta to serving plates and lavishly crown with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
12. Service: Present immediately, inviting diners to experience the sophisticated interplay of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a cup of starchy cooking liquid to help create silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each pasta piece.
• Caramelization Technique: Low and slow is the secret to developing deep, sweet onion flavor without burning; patience creates golden-brown perfection.
• Mushroom Moisture Control: Sauté mushrooms on high heat to ensure they release water quickly and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust that intensifies their earthy flavor.
• Cheese Finishing Touch: Freshly grated Parmesan adds sharp, salty complexity and elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile, so don’t skimp on quality cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg