Luscious Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Casserole Recipe

Comfort arrives in a delightful spinach and mushroom pasta casserole that promises pure culinary bliss.

Layers of tender pasta mingle with earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach for a hearty meal.

Soft, melted cheese blankets each bite with rich, creamy goodness.

The combination of textures and flavors creates a symphony that dances across your palate.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings deserve something special like this comforting dish.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to produce an impressive meal.

Grab your fork and get ready to savor every delectable spoonful of this irresistible casserole.

Cookware for Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Casserole

• Large pot: For boiling and cooking pasta perfectly.
• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables and creating creamy sauce.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending flour, broth, and cream smoothly.
• 13×9 baking dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Cutting board: For chopping onions, mushrooms, and parsley.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable preparation.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked pasta efficiently.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps in stirring and mixing ingredients.

Making Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Casserole Easy

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta until perfectly tender. Drain and set pasta aside, ready for the next delicious stage.

• Veggie Sauté

Heat butter in a skillet and transform onions and mushrooms into a soft, fragrant blend. Add garlic, spinach, and seasonings, creating a vibrant vegetable medley that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Introduce flour to create a silky base, then slowly pour in broth and cream. Whisk continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and luxurious. Stir in Parmesan cheese, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Casserole Assembly

Layer cooked pasta in a baking dish, then generously coat with the vegetable-packed cream sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella across the top, ensuring every bite will be cheesy and delightful.

• Golden Finish

Slide the casserole into a hot oven and bake until the surface turns golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor before serving this comforting meal.

Pro Moves for Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Casserole

• Replace baby spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for a different nutrient-packed green twist. Experiment with zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to create unique vegetable combinations.
• Enhance the casserole by adding cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, ground turkey, or grilled shrimp for extra protein and flavor depth. Vegetarian? Incorporate cubed tofu or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost.
• Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, fontina, or gouda with the recommended mozzarella and Parmesan. Create a more complex cheese profile that elevates the overall taste experience.
• Use gluten-free pasta and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or alternative gluten-free thickeners. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a safe, delicious meal option.
• Enhance flavor with red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or Italian herb blends. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.

Serve Up Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Casserole Beautifully

• Pair with Fresh Side Salad: Toss a crisp green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta casserole.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Warm up some garlic bread or a French baguette to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful crunch to your meal.
• Perfect Wine Companion: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which will cut through the creaminess and enhance the vegetable flavors.
• Add a Protein Boost: Top with grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits for those wanting extra protein and a different texture to the vegetarian base.

Meal Prep Tips for Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Casserole

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Cook the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Batch Cooking Technique: Double the recipe and freeze individual portions in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat at 350F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Refrigeration Guidelines: Store leftovers in a sealed container for 3-4 days. Ensure the casserole cools completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal texture.
• Reheating Tips: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of vegetable broth to restore moisture and prevent the pasta from becoming dry.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Grocery Picks for Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Casserole

• Penne Pasta: Provides a hearty foundation that captures the creamy sauce perfectly, choose a high-quality pasta with ridges for better sauce adhesion.
• Vegetable Broth: Enhances depth of flavor and helps create a silky smooth sauce.

• Onion, Mushrooms, Garlic: Create a robust flavor base that adds incredible depth and earthy undertones to the casserole.
• Baby Spinach: Introduces vibrant green color and nutrient-dense freshness, select crisp and bright leaves.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a classic Mediterranean herb blend that elevates the overall taste profile.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for sautéing vegetables and building sauce.
• Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to create a luxurious, velvety sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers a decadent, silky texture that binds all ingredients together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers sharp, salty notes that intensify the sauce's complexity.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a beautiful golden, stretchy topping that melts beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all other flavors.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and visual appeal to the completed dish.

Velvety Spinach And Mushroom Pasta Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Comforting spinach and mushroom pasta casserole brings Italian-inspired warmth to weeknight dinners. Rich layers of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and earthy vegetables create a satisfying meal that beckons you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) pasta, uncooked
• 1 lb (454 g) mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup light cream or half and half
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ cup vegetable broth or water
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley leaves

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Calibrate oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning rack centrally for uniform heat circulation.
2. Pasta Foundation: Cook pasta in generously salted water until perfectly al dente, then drain thoroughly, reserving for later assembly.
3. Vegetable Sauté: In a spacious skillet, melt butter and introduce onions and mushrooms, sizzling until mushrooms release moisture and become tender. Incorporate garlic, spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, allowing spinach to slightly wilt.
4. Sauce Development: Dust flour over vegetable mixture, creating a light roux. Gradually introduce vegetable broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce. Remove from heat and fold in Parmesan cheese until fully integrated.
5. Casserole Assembly: Transfer pasta to a 13 x 9 inch baking dish, coating evenly with the creamy spinach-mushroom sauce. Blanket the surface with mozzarella cheese, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
6. Baking Finale: Slide dish into preheated oven, baking 18-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden landscape. Once removed, sprinkle with fresh parsley and allow 5 minutes resting time for sauce stabilization before serving.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushy texture and maintain a delightful bite in the final dish.
• Moisture Management: Sauté mushrooms thoroughly to release excess water, ensuring a thick and creamy sauce without becoming watery.
• Roux Technique: Cooking flour briefly eliminates raw taste and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce base that thickens perfectly.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Let the casserole rest after baking to allow cheese to set and sauce to stabilize, resulting in a more cohesive and appetizing presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg