Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Casserole Recipe That Wows

Creamy spinach and mushroom pasta casserole promises a comforting culinary adventure that revolutionizes ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Hearty vegetables blend seamlessly with rich, velvety sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dish speaks to home cooks seeking something beyond standard weeknight dinners.

Layers of tender pasta intertwine with earthy mushrooms and vibrant green spinach, offering a balanced nutritional profile.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious combination of textures and robust seasonings that elevate this classic comfort food.

Warm, inviting aromas will fill your kitchen, signaling the anticipation of a delightful dining experience.

Preparing this casserole requires minimal technical skill but guarantees maximum satisfaction for everyone gathered around the table.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Spinach Casserole

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose crisp baby spinach and firm mushrooms to enhance the overall flavor and texture of the casserole.
• Prevent Soggy Pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta during initial boiling, as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb the creamy sauce.
• Layer Cheese Strategically: Grate the mozzarella and Parmesan fresh for maximum melting potential and richer taste profile.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk the sauce continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture that coats the pasta evenly.
• Customize with Extras: Add crispy bacon bits, red pepper flakes, or swap vegetable broth for chicken broth to personalize the dish to your preference.

Storing and Reheating Pasta Casserole the Right Way

• Storing Leftovers: Transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigeration Method: Store the pasta casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container sealed to preserve moisture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Reheating Instructions: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Alternatively, reheat the entire casserole in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain creamy texture.

Ideal Pairings for Mushroom Spinach Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy pasta's richness, cutting through the heaviness with its bright, acidic notes.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread helps soak up the delicious sauce and adds a delightful crunch to the meal's overall experience.
• Complement with Light Red Wine: A medium-bodied Pinot Noir enhances the earthy mushroom flavors while not overpowering the delicate spinach and cheese combination.

Recipe Variations for Spinach and Mushroom Pasta

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese, add sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle kalamata olives on top for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Protein Power Boost: Mix in cooked shredded chicken or crispy bacon bits to enhance the protein content and add extra savory depth to the casserole.
• Gluten-Free Garden: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising creamy texture.
• Vegan Veggie Comfort: Use plant-based butter, nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, coconut cream in place of dairy cream, and dairy-free mozzarella alternative to create a completely plant-based version of the casserole.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Casserole

• Effortless Comfort Food: This creamy pasta casserole delivers ultimate comfort with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners.
• Packed with Nutritious Goodness: Loaded with spinach, mushrooms, and protein-rich cheese, the dish provides a delicious way to sneak extra vegetables into a hearty meal that everyone will love.
• Quick and Versatile Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than an hour to prepare, offering a satisfying one-dish meal that can easily be customized with additional proteins or different cheese varieties.
• Creamy Texture Sensation: The combination of Parmesan and mozzarella creates an irresistibly smooth, rich sauce that coats every pasta bite, delivering a luxurious eating experience without complicated techniques.

What You’ll Need for Spinach Mushroom Pasta Casserole

• Pasta: A classic pasta variety perfect for holding the creamy sauce and absorbing flavors.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the pasta during boiling.

• Onion, Mushrooms: Create a rich, earthy base with deep umami flavor and aromatic foundation.
• Baby Spinach: Adds vibrant green color, nutritional value, and fresh vegetable texture.
• Garlic: Provides a sharp, pungent flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings traditional Mediterranean warmth to the dish.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps sauté vegetables with smooth, golden flavor.
• Flour: Acts as a thickening agent for creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Vegetable Broth: Adds depth and liquid base for the sauce with subtle vegetable notes.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky texture in the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a classic melty, stretchy topping with mild cheese flavor.
• Parsley: Fresh herb garnish that adds bright color and light herbal finish.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Standard seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall dish flavor.

Directions for Baking Creamy Spinach Mushroom Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Warm up your oven to 375°F. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta following the package directions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• Diced onion
• Sliced mushrooms

• Minced garlic
• Baby spinach
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour into the skillet and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in vegetable broth and cream, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Spread the cooked pasta in a 13×9 baking dish. Pour the vegetable-packed cream sauce evenly over the pasta. Generously top with mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Creamy Spinach And Mushroom Pasta Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Casserole delivers comfort and elegance in one delightful dish. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly with rich, velvety textures you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta, uncooked
• 1 pound (454 grams) mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup light cream or half and half

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup vegetable broth or water

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius), positioning the rack in the center position for optimal heat distribution.
2. Submerge pasta in a generously salted large pot of boiling water, cooking according to package guidelines until al dente. Thoroughly drain the pasta and reserve for subsequent assembly.
3. In a spacious skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Introduce diced onions and sliced mushrooms, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until mushrooms become tender and release their moisture.
4. Add minced garlic, baby spinach, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional minute, allowing the spinach to slightly wilt.
5. Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for approximately 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste and create a light golden roux.
6. Gradually stream vegetable broth into the skillet, whisking consistently to prevent lumps. Incorporate heavy cream, maintaining constant movement until the sauce smooths and thickens.
7. Remove the skillet from heat, folding in grated Parmesan cheese until fully integrated and creating a luxurious, creamy consistency.
8. Transfer the cooked pasta into a 13 x 9 inch (33 x 23 centimeters) baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
9. Pour the spinach and mushroom cream sauce over the pasta, gently mixing to guarantee complete coating of the noodles.
10. Distribute shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top of the casserole.
11. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, baking for 18-20 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and develops a delicate golden hue.
12. After removing from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the sauce set.

Notes

• Prep ahead by cooking pasta and chopping vegetables in advance to streamline the cooking process.
• Select fresh, high-quality mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for enhanced flavor and texture.
• Customize the dish by adding protein like cooked chicken or crispy bacon for extra heartiness.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth sauce consistency and even melting of cheese.
• Substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a richer taste if preferred.
• Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380 cal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg