This Baked Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. Tender pasta is tossed in a rich cream sauce with sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach, then baked until golden and bubbly.
It’s an easy vegetarian pasta bake that’s full of flavor and perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta (penne or rigatoni) | 12 oz | Cooked al dente |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Mushrooms | 2 cups | Sliced |
| Fresh spinach | 3 cups | |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Heavy cream | 1 ½ cups | |
| Milk | ½ cup | |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup | Grated |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 ½ cups | Shredded |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz | Softened |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon | Optional |
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until soft and golden (about 5–6 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Make the Cream Sauce
Lower heat and add cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. Mix in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and mix well to coat evenly.
6. Assemble
Transfer the pasta mixture to the baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
8. Serve
Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Baked Pasta
- Cook pasta slightly underdone (al dente) so it doesn’t get mushy
- Use fresh spinach for best texture
- Add cooked chicken if you want extra protein
- Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden cheesy top
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread
- Pair with a fresh green salad
- Add roasted vegetables on the side
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan before serving
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat in oven or microwave
