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Baked Mushroom and Spinach Pasta

This baked pasta combines tender al dente noodles with sautéed garlic, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach, all baked with melted cheese until bubbly and golden. The dish has a creamy, cheesy texture with a crispy crust on top and a flavorful, well-blended filling inside, highlighting the natural flavors of the vegetables and pasta.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 460

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni) uncooked
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) divided
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Sauté pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat and add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and lightly golden—about 1 minute.
  3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and sauté until they release their juices and turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the chopped spinach, cooking until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, milk, half of the cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated and combined.
  6. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining cheese generously over the top of the pasta, creating a thick, cheesy crust.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
  9. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to set slightly and making it easier to serve.
  10. Scoop portions onto plates, and enjoy the bubbly, cheesy, and vegetable-packed baked pasta.