Ingredients
Method
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until browned and tender.
- Add the minced garlic and baby spinach to the skillet, cooking for another 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Remove the mixture from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the warm milk and vegetable broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, the parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and the mushroom-spinach mixture into the creamy cheese sauce, tossing gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra crispy topping, you can mix 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle it over the cheese before baking.
