Three-Layer Mushroom and Spinach Pasta Bake
A comforting baked pasta dish featuring distinct layers of creamy mushroom-spinach filling and melted cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 60 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, large, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 8 oz, sliced cremini mushrooms
- 2 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped onion and cook until translucent (5 minutes). Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and cook until golden (8-10 minutes). Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach and cook until wilted (2 minutes).
- Step 4: In a bowl, combine 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half the cooked penne, then half the mushroom-spinach mixture, then half the cream sauce. Repeat with remaining penne, mushroom-spinach, and cream sauce. Top with 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella.
- Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Three-Layer Mushroom and Spinach Pasta Bake take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (30 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Three-Layer Mushroom and Spinach Pasta Bake?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Three-Layer Mushroom and Spinach Pasta Bake?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Three-Layer Mushroom and Spinach Pasta Bake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Three-Layer Mushroom and Spinach Pasta Bake?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This was absolutely delicious! The layers of mushrooms and spinach made it so rich and satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Really good, but the sauce was slightly bland. I added extra garlic and herbs to fix it.
- ★★★★☆
The dish was great, but the mushrooms took longer to cook than the recipe said.
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