Print

Mushroom and Spinach Pasta Bake Recipe

Mushroom and Spinach Pasta Bake Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 24 reviews

This Mushroom and Spinach Pasta Bake is a wholesome, flavorful dish combining whole wheat pasta with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a robust Italian-seasoned tomato sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella cheese for a comforting vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta

Vegetables

  • 2–3 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (washed and dried)
  • 2–3 cups chopped spinach

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 24 ounces pasta sauce (about 2.5 cups)
  • 1 Tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • crushed red pepper (optional)

Oils and Cheese

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella (or another 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella)
  • fresh oregano for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the pasta.
  2. Cook Pasta: Cook the whole wheat penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat Oil: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  4. Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and cook lightly until fragrant. Then add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and release their moisture.
  5. Add Chopped Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook just until wilted, then turn off the heat to prevent overcooking.
  6. Add Pasta, Sauce, and Seasoning: Quickly add the cooked pasta, 24 ounces of pasta sauce, 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the skillet. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly. Optionally, add crushed red pepper for some heat.
  7. Mix in Shredded Mozzarella: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese into the pasta mixture to add creaminess and cheesy flavor throughout.
  8. Top with Mozzarella: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish if needed, and top the surface evenly with 4 ounces of sliced fresh mozzarella or an additional 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella.
  9. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let the bake cool slightly for about 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh oregano leaves. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty, comforting pasta bake.

Notes

  • Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrition.
  • Fresh mozzarella can be substituted with all shredded mozzarella if preferred.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes to taste for a spicy kick.
  • Make sure mushrooms are well dried after washing to prevent excess water in the bake.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mushroom pasta bake, spinach pasta bake, vegetarian pasta, baked pasta recipe, whole wheat pasta bake, healthy pasta casserole

Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/mushroom-and-spinach-pasta-bake-recipe/