Imagine a dish that combines the earthy richness of mushrooms, the vibrant freshness of spinach, and a decadent three-cheese blend, all baked to golden, bubbling perfection. This Cheesy Mushroom Spinach Pasta Bake isn't just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté sliced mushrooms until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, garlic powder, half of the mozzarella, and half of the parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked pasta, sautéed mushrooms, and spinach. Pour marinara sauce over the top, then spread the cheese mixture evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top. If the mixture seems dry, add the reserved pasta water.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Cook pasta just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven and absorb more sauce.
- Pat mushrooms dry before sautéing to ensure they brown nicely and don't release excess moisture.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the dish's consistency if it seems too dry.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like thyme.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and more intense flavor.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 70mg
