Farfalle Pasta with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Caramelized Onions Recipe
A delicious and hearty vegetarian dish featuring farfalle pasta tossed with earthy sautéed mushrooms, vibrant fresh spinach, and sweet, slow-caramelized onions. Enhanced with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of thyme, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a flavorful and elegant meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta Dish
- 12 oz farfalle pasta
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cups cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until golden and caramelized. If the onions start browning too fast, reduce the heat. Once done, remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Spinach: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-6 minutes until browned. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Combine and Serve: Return the caramelized onions to the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Add the cooked farfalle pasta and toss everything together. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the mixture if needed. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Be patient when caramelizing onions to develop their sweet, complex flavor.
- Use a mix of mushrooms like shiitake or oyster for deeper umami flavor.
- Substitute baby kale or Swiss chard for spinach for a heartier texture.
- Sauté mushrooms in a single layer to ensure proper browning.
- For a dairy-free version, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor if preferred.
- Caramelized onions can be made ahead and stored up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with some reserved pasta water to retain moisture.
Keywords: farfalle pasta, spinach pasta, mushroom pasta, caramelized onions, vegetarian pasta, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta dish
