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A bubbling white ceramic baking dish filled with Mushroom and Spinach Penne Pasta Bake featuring golden browned mozzarella cheese, sliced mushrooms, and fresh parsley garnish.

Mushroom and Spinach Penne Pasta Bake

A comforting, golden-brown Mediterranean-inspired pasta bake featuring tender penne tossed with caramelized cremini mushrooms, wilted baby spinach, and a luxurious garlic white sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta & Veggies:
  • - 12 ounces penne pasta
  • - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • - 1 pound cremini or button mushrooms sliced
  • - 3 cloves garlic minced
  • - 4 ounces fresh baby spinach
  • - Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy White Sauce & Topping:
  • - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • - 2 cups whole milk
  • - 1 cup light cream
  • - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • - A pinch of ground nutmeg
  • - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • - 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the penne pasta until it is just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms in an even layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Stir and sauté for another 4 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, stir in minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add baby spinach in handfuls, tossing gently until just wilted. Season with salt and pepper, then remove skillet from heat.
  5. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil together. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Slowly pour in the whole milk and light cream, whisking constantly to ensure no lumps form. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir frequently until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of Parmesan, nutmeg, and dried oregano.
  7. Combine the drained penne, sautéed mushroom/spinach mixture, and warm white sauce together in the large skillet, folding gently until the pasta is completely coated.
  8. Transfer the creamy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Scatter the shredded mozzarella and remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan evenly across the top.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and beautifully golden brown. Garnish immediately with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

To make this dish gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the roux and your favorite gluten-free penne alternative. Always cook the pasta slightly underdone so it retains an excellent texture after baking.