Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Mushrooms, Spinach, Caramelized Onions

This Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Mushrooms, Spinach, Caramelized Onions brings warm, silky sauce, tender pasta bows, and sweet caramelized onions all in one skillet. The mushrooms add earthy depth, the spinach brightens each bite, and the Parmesan creates a rich, slightly nutty finish. It’s comforting without being heavy perfect for weeknights or when you want a simple dish that still tastes special.

Top reasons to make it: it’s quick, uses simple pantry items, and feels restaurant-worthy with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The sauce clings to bow ties, the caramelized onions add a sweet counterpoint, and the whole dish comes together in one pan (mostly). This is great for busy parents, professionals who cook after work, or anyone craving a cozy, satisfying meal. If you like creamy pasta, you might also enjoy a heartier variation like this similar creamy pasta for busy nights: creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef.

• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Made with simple pantry and fridge staples
• One-pan-ish cleanup (pasta + sauce come together in one pan)
• Crowd-pleasing comfort food that still feels light

Ingredients

• 8 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Optional: fresh herbs (parsley or basil) for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions of Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Mushrooms, Spinach, Caramelized Onions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the thinly sliced onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized, about 10–12 minutes. Remove half the onions to a plate for topping.
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet and sauté the sliced mushrooms over medium-high heat until they release their juices and brown, about 5–7 minutes. Add the minced garlic in the last minute and stir.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream; stir to combine and let it warm until it starts to thicken, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth; season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it.
6. Add the cooked bow tie pasta and fresh spinach to the skillet; toss gently until the spinach wilts and the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Fold in the reserved caramelized onions, check seasoning, and heat through for another minute.
8. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if using.

Tips for Success

• Don’t rush the onions — good caramelization builds the sweet, savory base.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
• Save a bit of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed; it helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Substitutions & Variations of Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Mushrooms, Spinach, Caramelized Onions

To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:

• Use gluten-free bow tie pasta and swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream. Replace Parmesan with a vegan grated cheese or nutritional yeast for a savory note.

Variations:

• Stir in cooked chicken or canned tuna for extra protein.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a sweet-tart lift.
• Toss in toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch.
• Swap mushrooms for sautéed zucchini or eggplant for a different veg profile.

Storage Instructions of Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Mushrooms, Spinach, Caramelized Onions

Refrigerator:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce.

Freezer:

• Cream-based pasta can change texture when frozen; freeze only if necessary. Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly, adding liquid as needed.

Make-Ahead:

• Caramelize the onions and slice mushrooms a day ahead to save time. Cook the pasta and keep separate from the sauce; combine and reheat when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Mushrooms, Spinach, Caramelized Onions

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Use whole milk plus a tablespoon of butter or a bit of cream cheese to help thicken.

Q: How can I keep the spinach from getting soggy?
A: Add the spinach at the last minute and toss only until it wilts. Baby spinach wilts fastest and stays tender.

Q: Can I make this without mushrooms?
A: Yes — swap mushrooms for zucchini, roasted peppers, or extra caramelized onions for a different flavor.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Mushrooms, Spinach, Caramelized Onions is a quick, comforting meal that feels special but won’t eat up your evening. The mix of sweet onions, earthy mushrooms, and silky Parmesan cream makes this a go-to on busy nights or when you want something cozy. Try it tonight, and if you loved it, leave a comment and a star rating so others can find it too — I’d love to hear how you made it your own!

Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Mushrooms, Spinach, Caramelized Onions

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A cozy and creamy pasta dish featuring bow tie pasta, earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and sweet caramelized onions, all made in under 30 minutes.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Optional: fresh herbs (parsley or basil) for garnish

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the thinly sliced onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized, about 10–12 minutes. Remove half the onions to a plate for topping.
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet and sauté the sliced mushrooms over medium-high heat until they release their juices and brown, about 5–7 minutes. Add the minced garlic in the last minute and stir.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream; stir to combine and let it warm until it starts to thicken, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth; season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it.
6. Add the cooked bow tie pasta and fresh spinach to the skillet; toss gently until the spinach wilts and the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Fold in the reserved caramelized onions, check seasoning, and heat through for another minute.
8. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if using.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not rush the caramelization of the onions.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian