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Baked Mushroom and Spinach Pasta

This baked pasta dish involves cooking al dente pasta and sautéed mushrooms and spinach, then combining them with garlic and olive oil before baking until golden. The final texture features crispy edges, tender greens, and an earthy, chewy bite throughout the dish, offering a rustic and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta or any short pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 oz mushrooms sliced, such as cremini or button
  • 4 oz fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese optional for topping
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Sauté pan
  • Baking dish

Method
 

  1. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Warm olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, releasing a warm aroma.
  3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and sauté until they release moisture and turn tender, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally and listening for a gentle simmer.
  4. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes, watching it shrink down and turn bright green.
  5. Combine the cooked pasta with the sautéed mushrooms and spinach mixture in a large mixing bowl, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly.
  6. Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top for that melty, golden crust.
  7. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned, about 20 minutes, filling the kitchen with a warm, cheesy scent.
  8. Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes; then serve hot, enjoying the crispy edges and tender greens in every forkful.

Notes

Feel free to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil for extra flavor.