Are you craving a comforting, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s easy to make? Look no further than this Cheesy Stuffed Mushroom Pasta Bake! This mouthwatering recipe combines the rich, umami flavors of stuffed mushrooms with creamy, cheesy pasta to create a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even special occasions. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this irresistible dish in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Stuffed Mushroom Pasta Bake
- Bursting with Flavor – The combination of mushrooms, cheese, and pasta creates a heavenly taste.
- Easy to Make – Simple steps make this dish accessible to both beginners and seasoned cooks.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it at a dinner party or enjoy it as a cozy meal at home.
- Customizable – Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare this Cheesy Stuffed Mushroom Pasta Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Stuffed Mushrooms:
- 12 large button or cremini mushrooms (stems removed)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano
Topping:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (for extra crunch, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Stuffed Mushrooms
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture, pressing it in gently.
- Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is slightly golden.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- While the mushrooms are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and toss it with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, heavy cream (if using), red pepper flakes, and dried basil or oregano.
- Gently fold in the baked stuffed mushrooms.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Add grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs (if using), and chopped parsley for extra flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Dish
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Cheesy Stuffed Mushroom Pasta Bake
- Use Fresh Mushrooms – Choose large, firm mushrooms to ensure they hold the stuffing well.
- Try Different Cheeses – Swap ricotta for cream cheese or add gouda for extra richness.
- Enhance the Sauce – Mix in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or cooked ground meat for a heartier dish.
- Make it Ahead – Assemble the pasta bake a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Delight – Add sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini.
- Meaty Version – Mix in cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta and skip the breadcrumbs.
- Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
What to Serve with Cheesy Stuffed Mushroom Pasta Bake
- Garlic Bread – A crispy, buttery side to soak up the sauce.
- Green Salad – A refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables – Caramelized veggies like broccoli or asparagus pair beautifully.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Stuffed Mushroom Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food – creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a must-try! Give it a go and let us know how it turns out in the comments.
Craving More Recipes?
If you love easy and delicious meals, check out our other pasta bake recipes and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family!
