Description
A flavorful and quick one-pan pasta dish featuring rich brown butter and crispy sage, combined with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknights. The use of Pronto Pasta makes it convenient, and the fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy finish.
Ingredients
Units
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For the Pasta and Sauce
- 1 box Barilla® Pronto Pasta (Penne)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 sprigs fresh sage
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- 8 ounces white button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- Fresh grated cheese (such as Parmesan) for serving
Instructions
- Melt butter and oil: In a large cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet, combine the butter and olive oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown and releases a nutty aroma, about 5-6 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter.
- Cook aromatics and mushrooms: Add garlic, sage, and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sauté until the mushrooms sweat down and become tender, about 5 minutes. Remove the sage sprigs if desired.
- Add spinach and season: Toss the spinach into the skillet and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until completely wilted. Season with salt, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice for brightness.
- Cook pasta: Transfer the mushroom and spinach mixture to a serving plate. In the same skillet, add the Pronto Pasta along with 3 cups of water and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook according to package directions, about 10 minutes, until the water is absorbed and pasta is al dente.
- Combine and serve: Return the sautéed mushrooms and spinach along with any accumulated juices to the skillet with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta with the brown butter sauce. Serve immediately topped with freshly grated cheese and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Using fresh sage adds a fragrant herbal note; dried sage can be used as a substitute, but reduce the amount.
- Pronto Pasta is designed for quick cooking and absorbs flavors well; adjust cooking water and time if using different pasta types.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter and omit cheese.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens the dish and balances the richness.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or zucchini for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg