Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Spinach Mushroom Pasta Bake
Indulge in a creamy and cheesy delight with this rich broccoli spinach mushroom pasta bake! Perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting weeknight meal, this dish combines the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables with the delightful texture of shell pasta. With a luscious white cheddar sauce enveloping tender broccoli, vibrant spinach, and savory mushrooms, every bite is a taste sensation. This dish is not only cheesy and satisfying but also packs a nutritional punch, making it an ideal choice for any dinner table. Plus, it's easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Enjoy a warm, bubbly pasta bake that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
600
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
small shell pasta
8 ounces (cooked (measure 8 ounces before cooking))
vegetable oil
1-2 tablespoons (for tossing)
fresh broccoli florets
1 lb (cooked to firm-tender and drained well)
frozen spinach
0.5 (10 ounce) (well drained or a 6-ounce package of fresh baby spinach leaves could be used)
butter
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
small onion
1 (chopped)
fresh minced garlic
1 tablespoon (optional)
fresh mushrooms
2 (8 ounce) packages (sliced)
flour
2 tablespoons (for thickening sauce)
full-fat milk
2 cups (for creamy sauce)
shredded white cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (for creamy sauce)
whipping cream
1 cup (unwhipped)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
nutmeg
1 pinch (for seasoning)
grated parmesan cheese
to taste (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a large bowl, combine the cooked small shell pasta, cooked broccoli florets, and well-drained spinach. Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and gently toss to combine. Set aside.
4
In a deep saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened. If using garlic, add it during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking the onion.
5
Add the sliced mushrooms to the saucepan and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are tender.
6
Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
7
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for about 8 minutes, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens.
8
Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese and whipping cream. Lower the heat and continue to stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and a pinch of nutmeg for added flavor.
9
Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the pasta and vegetables in the mixing bowl, and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
10
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the dish is hot and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
36g
Fat
50g
Carbs
22g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Spinach Mushroom Pasta Bake?
It is a rich and cheesy casserole that combines small shell pasta with fresh broccoli, spinach, and mushrooms in a luscious white cheddar sauce.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of small shell pasta, measured before cooking.
Is this pasta bake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it contains only vegetables, pasta, and dairy products.
What is the calorie count per serving?
This recipe contains approximately 600 calories per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides about 22 grams of protein.
What are the fat and carbohydrate contents?
The dish contains 36 grams of fat and 50 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the pasta bake need to stay in the oven?
It should be baked for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and the dish is bubbly.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute the frozen spinach with a 6-ounce package of fresh baby spinach leaves.
How much broccoli is needed?
You will need 1 lb of fresh broccoli florets, cooked to firm-tender and well-drained.
What kind of cheese is used in the sauce?
The main sauce uses 1 1/2 cups of shredded white cheddar cheese.
Is there a topping on this pasta bake?
Yes, the dish is topped with grated Parmesan cheese before being placed in the oven.
How many mushrooms are required?
The recipe uses two 8-ounce packages of fresh sliced mushrooms.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 13 x 9-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Do I need to cook the pasta before assembling the bake?
Yes, the pasta should be cooked and then tossed with vegetable oil before being combined with other ingredients.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the mushrooms?
The flour is used to create a roux, which helps thicken the milk and cream into a sauce.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, adding 1 tablespoon of fresh minced garlic is an optional way to enhance the flavor.
What type of milk should I use for the sauce?
Full-fat milk is recommended to achieve a rich and creamy sauce texture.
Why is nutmeg included in the ingredients?
A pinch of nutmeg is added to the cheese sauce to provide a subtle depth of flavor.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the dish?
You should grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray and toss the cooked pasta in vegetable oil.
Can this meal be prepared in advance?
Yes, the description indicates that this dish can be made ahead of time for convenience.
What is the first step in preparing the sauce?
The first step for the sauce is melting butter in a saucepan and sautéing the chopped onion.
How much whipping cream is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of unwhipped whipping cream.
Should the broccoli be fully soft before baking?
No, the broccoli should be cooked to a firm-tender state before being added to the mix.
How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?
The mixture should be cooked for about 8 minutes while whisking until it reaches a thick consistency.
Is vegetable oil used for cooking the vegetables?
Vegetable oil is primarily used for tossing the pasta, while butter is used for sautéing the vegetables.
What kind of onion is used?
The recipe calls for one small onion, chopped.
What texture should the final dish have?
The final dish should be warm, bubbly, and creamy with a golden-brown top.
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
While the recipe specifies fresh mushrooms, you can use your preferred variety such as cremini or button mushrooms.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
It is recommended to allow the pasta bake to cool slightly before serving to let the sauce set.