Creamy Balsamic Mushroom Pasta with Spinach

Creamy balsamic mushroom pasta with spinach is an easy vegetarian pasta recipe made with bowtie (farfalle) pasta, and buttery caramelized onions.

Why is pasta so darn good?  Especially creamy pasta with lots of cheese…oh yes please, load it on!

This creamy balsamic mushroom pasta is made with spinach and caramelized onions. 

It’s creamy, cheesy and super flavorful.

Keep this creamy pasta vegetarian or add chicken or shrimp if that’s your jam.

The caramelized onions and mushrooms take a little bit of time so this dish may not be quick, but it’s easy and well worth the wait for those buttery, golden caramelized onions and almost crispy mushrooms.

After the onions and mushrooms are done, a quick balsamic cream sauce is made and everything gets tossed with the pasta, grated Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach.

Like I said before, creamy pasta + cheese=a total love match.

TIPS FOR MAKING PERFECT CARAMELIZED ONIONS & MUSHROOMS:

• You’ll want to stir the onions occasionally (maybe every 5 minutes or so).  Stirring too often won’t give them time to get golden and stirring not often enough won’t make them evenly caramelized.
• Keep the heat on medium-low.  Caramelized onions should be cooked low and slow for best results!
• The mushrooms release quite a bit of moisture so instead of rinsing under water, gently rub the excess dirt off with a clean kitchen towel.
• The last couple minutes of cooking, turn the heat up to medium-high and let the mushrooms cook until the edges are crispy.
• You can certainly make the caramelized onions and mushrooms ahead of time (up to 2 days in advance left wrapped at room temp).

HOW TO MAKE BALSAMIC CREAM SAUCE FOR PASTA:

1. Once mushrooms and onions are caramelized and golden, add thyme, garlic and balsamic.  Cook 5 minutes until the balsamic is reduced almost by half.
2. Slowly stir in cream and simmer for additional 4-5 minutes.
3. Add cream sauce to cooked pasta along with fresh spinach.  Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until spinach is wilted.  Add in Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water as needed.

CREAMY BALSAMIC MUSHROOM PASTA WITH SPINACH VARIATIONS:

• Add in shrimp (or chicken) with the balsamic vinegar, thyme and garlic.  Simmer, flipping shrimp over after 3 minutes, until fully cooked and pink.
• Cook steak tips and serve over the pasta
• Add broccoli florets instead of spinach