Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 30 mins
4 to 6
Creamy English spinach, mushroom & cheese pasta bake
Indulge in a comforting creamy English spinach, mushroom, and cheese pasta bake. Tender pasta enveloped in a luscious sauce infused with earthy mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and gooey cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends. Enjoy the creamy goodness of this irresistible pasta bake!
400g rigatoni or penne pasta
1 tbs olive oil
1 small brown onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
250g small cup mushrooms, sliced
1 cup reduced fat cream
1 bunch English spinach, trimmed and roughly chopped
(about 250g trimmed leaves)
2 cups grated tasty cheese
180g tub bocconcini cheese, drained and roughly torn
¼ cup toasted pine nuts, to serve
STEP 1 Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan-forced. Cook pasta in a large saucepan of boiling water following packet directions.
STEP 2 Meanwhile, heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and mushrooms and cook, stirring often, for 4-5 minutes until softened.
STEP 3 Reduce heat and stir in cream. Bring to a simmer. Gradually add spinach to the pan (it does not have to fully wilt) and toss through cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
STEP 4 Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup cooking water and return to the saucepan. Add spinach mixture and reserved cooking water mixture and toss to combine. Spoon mixture into a greased 10-cup capacity (about 5cm deep) baking dish. Scatter with bocconcini. Bake for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbling. Scatter with pine nuts and serve.
Nutritional Facts
Spinach: High in vitamins A, C, and K, and iron.
Mushrooms: Provide B vitamins and antioxidants.
Cheese: Source of calcium and protein.
Tips and Tricks
- Creamy English Spinach, Mushroom and Cheese Pasta Bake: Choose tender English spinach and flavorful mushrooms for a comforting pasta bake. Substitute mushrooms with zucchini for added freshness.
