Shiitake Mushroom and Spinach Pasta

Ingredients

• 250g shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 200g fresh spinach 
• 300g pasta
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 
• 100ml cream 
• 50g Grana Padano cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh basil, chopped 

Method

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they are browned and tender
4. Stir in the cream and bring to a simmer. Add the fresh spinach and cook until the spinach has wilted.
5. Toss the cooked pasta into the pan with the mushroom and spinach mixture. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir well to combine everything.
6. Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle over the grated Grana Padano cheese. Give everything a good mix until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped basil if using

Serves 4 people