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Jamie Oliver Spinach And Mushroom Pasta

Jamie Oliver Spinach And Mushroom Pasta
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The Jamie Oliver Spinach and Mushroom Pasta is a sauté-based pasta dish where mushrooms are browned for depth, spinach is wilted for freshness, and everything is combined with pasta and a light sauce made from olive oil, garlic, and pasta water.

It’s inspired by Italian-style cooking, focusing on simple ingredients treated properly.

Ingredients

Scale

    • 300 g pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)

    • 300 g mushrooms (sliced)

    • 150 g fresh spinach

    • 2 tbsp olive oil

    • 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)

    • 1 small onion or shallot (finely chopped)

    • ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)

    • 50 g grated parmesan

    • Zest of ½ lemon

    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Optional:

    • 50 ml double cream

    • Handful fresh parsley

    • 30 g butter for richness

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Properly

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Cook pasta until al dente — about 1 minute less than packet instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

The starch in the pasta water helps bind the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Mushrooms Correctly

Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium-high heat.

Add sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.

Let them cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes before stirring. Browning creates depth and prevents soggy texture.

Cook until golden and lightly caramelised.

Step 3: Build the Aromatic Base

Lower heat slightly and add onion. Cook until softened but not browned.

Add garlic and chilli flakes, cooking briefly until fragrant.

Be careful not to burn garlic, as it turns bitter quickly.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach Gently

Add fresh spinach to the pan in batches. It will look like a lot at first but reduces quickly.

Stir gently until just wilted — about 1–2 minutes. Overcooking makes spinach lose colour and freshness.

Step 5: Combine and Create the Sauce

Add drained pasta to the pan.

Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water and toss everything together. The water emulsifies with oil to create a light, glossy coating.

If using cream or butter, stir it in now for added richness.

Add lemon zest and parmesan, tossing gently until evenly combined.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust salt and pepper carefully.

Serve immediately while glossy and warm

Find it online: https://jamieolivereats.uk/spinach-and-mushroom-pasta/