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Creamy Parmesan Spinach & Mushroom Pasta Bake

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Pasta Bake

A comforting, rich, and cheesy pasta bake loaded with fresh spinach and earthy mushrooms, baked to golden perfection.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Produce
  • 16 oz penne pasta cooked al dente
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 5 oz baby spinach fresh
Sauce and Cheese
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk warmed
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 0.75 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg optional

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Add the cooked pasta and the mushroom-spinach mixture into the creamy cheese sauce, tossing gently until everything is evenly coated.
  9. Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  10. 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.