Baked Penne with Mushrooms & Spinach

There’s something so comforting about a hearty, cheesy pasta bake, and this Baked Penne with Mushrooms & Spinach is no exception. It’s one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with the most amazing aromas, leaving you craving that first bite. With the richness of mushrooms, the earthiness of spinach, and the creamy cheese, this baked penne is the ultimate cozy meal. Trust me, it’s a game-changer when you’re looking for something that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love Baked Penne with Mushrooms & Spinach

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a quiet family dinner, bringing something special to a potluck, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: You can make this dish your own by adding in extra veggies, swapping pasta shapes, or even playing around with different cheeses.

Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients, this dish doesn’t break the bank. You get a filling, flavorful meal without the hefty price tag.

Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this recipe comes together quickly. Even with a bit of baking time, it’s simple enough for busy weeknights.

Customizable: Feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste—whether you prefer a different green, extra garlic, or even some spicy pepper flakes, you can make it your own!

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this dish: it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:

Penne Pasta: The base of this dish, penne pasta is perfect for holding onto all the creamy sauce and tender mushrooms. It’s hearty and comforting in every bite.

Mushrooms: These earthy beauties bring such depth to the dish. They soak up all the flavors and give the dish a savory richness that you just can’t beat.

Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a lovely pop of color and a nutritional boost. When baked, it wilts perfectly and becomes wonderfully tender.

Cheese: A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese gives this dish a rich, gooey texture and that golden, bubbly top we all crave.

Cream: The creamy sauce binds everything together, giving the dish a smooth, velvety texture.

Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful, garlic brings that essential depth of flavor to the dish, especially when sautéed with the mushrooms.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your dish the perfect golden top.

Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Mushroom and Spinach Mixture: In a large pan, sauté the garlic in a bit of olive oil until fragrant. Add the mushrooms and cook until they soften and release their moisture. Add the spinach and cook until it wilts down. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, mushroom and spinach mixture, cream, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until everything is well-coated in the creamy sauce.

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly grease your baking dish with a bit of olive oil or butter. This will keep the pasta from sticking and help with cleanup afterward.

Assemble the Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread everything out evenly, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Cook to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.

Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This step allows the flavors to settle, making each bite even better.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness! Whether it’s paired with a side salad or enjoyed on its own, this dish will be the star of the meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: 400-450 (depends on portion size and cheese used)

(Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on your specific ingredients.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Baked Penne with Mushrooms & Spinach

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete your meal:

• A crisp, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creamy pasta perfectly.
• Roasted vegetables add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• Garlic bread or a soft, buttery baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Use different veggies: Feel free to swap out spinach for kale, or add in some bell peppers or zucchini for a colorful twist.
• Make it spicy: For a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the mushrooms.
• Make ahead: This recipe can easily be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a day or two. Just reheat in the oven until bubbly!

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can swap the penne for any other pasta shape like rigatoni, rotini, or ziti.

2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works great. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before using it.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Of course! You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different flavor. A bit of cheddar can also be delicious for a sharp contrast.

5. Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is 100% vegetarian and can be made vegan by using dairy-free cheese and cream.

6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the cheese melty.

7. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dish for up to 3 months. Just bake it from frozen for 45-50 minutes.

8. How can I make this recipe lighter?
You can reduce the amount of cheese and use a lighter cream or milk alternative to make it a bit healthier.

9. Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! Grilled chicken or ground turkey would be excellent additions for some extra protein.

10. What can I serve this with?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

Baked Penne with Mushrooms & Spinach is one of those recipes you’ll come back to time and time again. It’s easy, comforting, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or indulging in a cozy meal for yourself, this dish will definitely hit the spot. So, grab those ingredients and get ready to make something amazing!

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