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- 8 ounces of short pasta (penne or rigatoni work well) - 2 tablespoons of olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini) - 4 cups of fresh spinach - 1 cup of heavy cream - 1 cup of vegetable broth - 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (optional)

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Bake

Savor the deliciousness of Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Bake, a family-friendly meal that's easy to prepare. This comforting dish combines earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with melted cheese for a satisfying finish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta bake is not just tasty but also packed with nutrients. Dive into this wholesome recipe and enjoy a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  

300g short pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

300g mixed mushrooms, sliced (preferably cremini and shiitake)

200g fresh spinach leaves

400ml heavy cream

200ml vegetable broth

100g grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano and basil)

Salt and pepper, to taste

100g mozzarella cheese, shredded

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s ready for baking.

    Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

        Add Mushrooms and Spinach: Increase the heat slightly and add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the mushrooms have browned and released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs to taste.

          Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream and vegetable broth into the skillet, stirring to blend everything together. Allow this mixture to simmer for approximately 5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta and pour in the creamy mushroom and spinach sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure that the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce.

              Prepare for Baking: Spoon the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. For an extra cheesy crust, add more grated Parmesan cheese.

                Bake and Serve: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley.

                  Enjoy: Serve the creamy spinach and mushroom pasta bake while hot, and relish this comforting and savory dish!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 4-6

                      Presentation Tips: For an attractive presentation, serve portions in shallow bowls or plates, alongside a sprinkle of additional Parmesan and a sprig of parsley on top for color.