This dish is cozy comfort food at its absolute best—creamy, cheesy, and packed with earthy mushrooms and tender spinach, all tucked into warm, perfectly baked penne pasta. Whether you’re craving something soul-soothing after a long day or planning a laid-back dinner that still feels a little fancy, this one hits the sweet spot. It’s a beautiful marriage of flavors and textures, all coming together in one bubbling casserole dish of deliciousness.
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Picture this: the smell of garlic and mushrooms sizzling in a pan, the cheese melting into a creamy sauce, and golden pasta edges crisping in the oven. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, makes leftovers something to look forward to, and earns a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Trust me, you’re going to love this.
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 casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
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 in Baked Penne with Mushrooms & Spinach
Here’s the magic of this baked pasta—it’s made with cozy, familiar ingredients, but the result is next-level comfort food. Let’s break it down:
Penne Pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto all that luscious sauce. Cooked until just al dente for the best texture when baked.
Mushrooms: Earthy, meaty, and savory. They bring deep umami flavor and heartiness to the dish—like the secret weapon of vegetarian comfort food.
Spinach: Adds a pop of color, a hit of nutrition, and a tender bite that melts right into the creamy sauce.
Garlic and Onion: These two form the flavor base—aromatic, rich, and absolutely necessary for that mouthwatering depth.
Cream or Bechamel Sauce: A silky, creamy base that hugs every piece of pasta. It’s what makes this dish feel so indulgent.
Cheese: Think melty mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, or whatever combo you love. It brings gooey goodness and a golden top layer.
Olive Oil & Butter: For sautéing the veggies and adding richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Italian Seasoning & Nutmeg: Just a pinch makes a big difference—herby, warm, and wonderfully fragrant.
(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. This ensures even cooking and gives your pasta that perfect golden top.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking until soft and fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point—promise.
Cook the Mushrooms: Toss in the mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and start to brown. You want that deep, rich flavor to develop here.
Wilt the Spinach: Add the spinach and stir until it wilts down. It might seem like a lot at first, but it cooks down beautifully and blends right in.
Make It Creamy: Pour in your cream or béchamel sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer just a few minutes so all the flavors marry together.
Combine with Pasta: In a large bowl, mix the cooked penne with the creamy veggie mixture. Stir in some cheese to make it extra gooey.
Assemble the Dish: Pour everything into a greased baking dish. Top with more cheese—don’t be shy!
Bake to Perfection: Pop it in the oven for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. That cheesy crust? Absolute heaven.
Let It Rest: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. It’s hard to wait, but this step helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.
Serve and Enjoy: Scoop out a generous portion, garnish with fresh herbs if you like, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, veggie-packed bite.
How to Serve Baked Penne with Mushrooms & Spinach
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy dip to complement the dish’s flavor profile.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Presentation matters too! Serving the dish in a beautifully arranged platter can elevate the dining experience. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for that extra pop.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular flour for gluten-free alternatives or dairy products for plant-based options.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute mushrooms with another veggie?
A1: Absolutely! Zucchini or bell peppers are great alternatives. They’ll change the flavor slightly but still taste fantastic.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can assemble everything in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Definitely. Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Oven is best—350°F for about 15–20 minutes. Microwave also works for single portions.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, just use a larger baking dish and allow for a slightly longer baking time.
Q7: Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
A7: Yes, both work well! Just cook according to package instructions before baking.
Q8: What kind of mushrooms work best?
A8: Cremini, button, or even shiitake work beautifully. Use your favorite!
Q9: Can I add meat to this dish?
A9: Absolutely—cooked chicken, sausage, or even bacon would be delicious additions.
Q10: Is this kid-friendly?
A10: Totally! The cheesy, creamy goodness is usually a hit with little ones. Just adjust seasoning as needed.
Conclusion
Baked Penne with Mushrooms & Spinach is that dreamy dish you didn’t know your dinner routine was missing. It’s hearty, flavorful, cozy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re making it for guests or just treating yourself to a little home-cooked love, it always delivers. So grab that casserole dish, turn on your favorite playlist, and get ready to make something amazing. You’ve got this!
Print
Baked Penne with Mushrooms & Spinach
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Penne with Mushrooms & Spinach is a cozy, comforting dish featuring a rich blend of savory mushrooms, fresh spinach, and creamy ricotta, all baked together with melted mozzarella and parmesan.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 small yellow onions, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 500 g cremini mushrooms, sliced
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
- 3–4 handfuls baby spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth (500 ml)
- 1 x 340 g jar premade pasta sauce (your favourite brand)
- 250 g dry penne pasta
- 150 g cherry or mini roma tomatoes
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 250 g ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan (50 g)
- 2 x 100 g balls fresh mozzarella cheese
- Chopped flat-leaf parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F / 190°C.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become golden, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. If using frozen spinach, make sure it is well-drained before adding.
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and pasta sauce, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a large baking dish. Top with halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes, if using.
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese and parmesan together, then dollop spoonfuls of the mixture over the pasta.
- Top with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to swap out the cremini mushrooms for other types like button or portobello mushrooms.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 2–3 days, or frozen for up to a month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg