Description
Welcome to the delightful world of casserole cooking with this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Casserole. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the freshness of spinach and the rich, comforting embrace of creamy cheese sauce, all baked together to create a dish that’s perfect for any gathering or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 pound mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup light cream or half and half
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Preparing the Pasta
Preheat the oven to 375F. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Cooking the Vegetables
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms are soft and tender. Incorporate the minced garlic, baby spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute.
Step 3: Creating the Sauce
Whisk in the flour until lightly browned, roughly 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, followed by the cream. Continue to cook and whisk constantly until the mixture is incorporated, approximately 1-2 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and remove from heat.
Step 4: Assembling the Casserole
Transfer the cooked pasta into a large 13×9 baking dish. Pour the spinach and mushroom cream sauce over the pasta, ensuring even coverage. Top evenly with mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Baking
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves 6 people and requires approximately 15 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking, totaling about 35 minutes from start to finish.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Cool the casserole completely and store it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350F until warmed through, about 20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
Conclusion
The Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Casserole is a versatile and delightful dish that combines simple ingredients to create a flavor-packed comfort meal. Ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners, it’s a recipe that invites customization and is sure to please every palate. Enjoy the process of creating this warm, cheesy delight, and revel in the comforts of home-cooked perfection!
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Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Casserole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Welcome to the delightful world of casserole cooking with this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Casserole. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the freshness of spinach and the rich, comforting embrace of creamy cheese sauce, all baked together to create a dish that’s perfect for any gathering or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 pound mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup light cream or half and half
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparing the Pasta Preheat the oven to 375F. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
- Step 2: Cooking the Vegetables Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms are soft and tender. Incorporate the minced garlic, baby spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute.
- Step 3: Creating the Sauce Whisk in the flour until lightly browned, roughly 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, followed by the cream. Continue to cook and whisk constantly until the mixture is incorporated, approximately 1-2 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and remove from heat.
- Step 4: Assembling the Casserole Transfer the cooked pasta into a large 13×9 baking dish. Pour the spinach and mushroom cream sauce over the pasta, ensuring even coverage. Top evenly with mozzarella cheese.
- Step 5: Baking Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes