Pesto Mushroom and Spinach Cauliflower Skillet (Printable)
Sautéed mushrooms, cauliflower, and spinach in aromatic pesto for a quick vegetarian meal.
# List of ingredients:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets (about 4 cups)
02 - 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
03 - 3 cups baby spinach
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Pesto
06 - 1/3 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade; classic basil or vegan as desired)
→ Pantry
07 - 2 tbsp olive oil
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
09 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Garnish
10 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
11 - 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional)
12 - Fresh basil leaves (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
02 - Add chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add mushrooms and sauté for 4–5 minutes until browned and their moisture is released.
05 - Add cauliflower florets. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower is just tender.
06 - Add spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted (about 1–2 minutes).
07 - Reduce heat to low. Add pesto and toss everything to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
08 - Remove from heat. Top with grated Parmesan, pine nuts, and fresh basil before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Everything comes together in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy your meal
- The combination of earthy mushrooms and fresh pesto creates those deep, satisfying flavors usually reserved for heavy pasta dishes
02 -
- Dont crowd the pan when cooking mushrooms or they'll steam instead of brown, losing that wonderful depth of flavor
- Adding spinach last and cooking it briefly keeps it bright and prevents the entire dish from becoming watery
03 -
- Toasting your pine nuts in a dry pan for just 2 minutes before garnishing adds incredible depth and crunch
- Reserve a handful of fresh spinach to add at the very end for contrasting texture and color