Sunday Creamy Mushroom Pasta Bake

Name: Sunday Creamy Mushroom Pasta Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 300g pasta (penne or fusilli); 250g mushrooms, sliced; 200g ricotta cheese; 500ml béchamel sauce; 100g grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Meals Inspiration

I have always loved indulging in rich and comforting pasta dishes, and this Sunday Creamy Mushroom Pasta Bake has become a cherished favorite in my kitchen. The combination of earthy mushrooms, creamy sauce, and perfectly baked pasta creates a mouthwatering experience that warms the soul. It’s a dish I often prepare for family gatherings, not only because it’s a crowd-pleaser but also because it’s super easy to make. The best part is that it uses simple ingredients that are often staples in my pantry.

Created by

Nicola Fairchild

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:51:36.111Z

When I first tried making this creamy mushroom pasta bake, I was experimenting with different sauces and textures. I found that combining ricotta with a creamy béchamel sauce created a delightful balance that perfectly complemented the tender mushrooms. It was a revelation! I remember taking my first bite and feeling a burst of flavors that warmed my heart and satisfied my cravings.

This dish has become my go-to for cozy Sunday dinners. What I love is how versatile it is; you can swap in different vegetables or even meats if you prefer. One tip I’ve learned is to sauté the mushrooms until they’re nice and brown before adding them to the pasta. It enhances their flavor and ensures they don’t release too much water during baking.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Decadently creamy with every bite full of flavorful mushrooms
Simple ingredients make it perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner
Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins

Perfecting the Pasta

Choosing the right pasta is crucial for achieving the perfect bake. I recommend using penne or fusilli since their shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully and provide a satisfying bite. When cooking the pasta, ensure you don't overboil it; al dente is key because it will continue cooking when baking. For an extra touch, consider tossing the drained pasta with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the sauce and mushrooms.

Timing is also essential when it comes to boiling pasta. Start the water boiling while you prep your mushrooms to optimize the workflow. This way, when you've sautéed the mushrooms, the pasta will be ready to drain. Keep an eye on the doneness of the pasta as you'll want it to have just a bit of firmness left, ensuring it doesn’t turn mushy during the bake.

Sautéing the Mushrooms

The sautéing process for the mushrooms adds depth to the dish, as it brings out their natural umami flavor. Aim for medium heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can cause the mushrooms to steam instead of sear. Allow the mushrooms to brown before adding the garlic; this technique creates a rich and satisfying base for your sauce. If the mushrooms release a lot of liquid, let it cook off for a few minutes before continuing to ensure your bake doesn’t end up watery.

For a variation, experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, which can add distinct flavors and textures to the dish. Just be mindful that different mushrooms may have varying moisture content. If you’re using a high-moisture mushroom, consider decreasing the amount of béchamel sauce slightly to balance the texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is often the case since this bake serves a crowd), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from burning while allowing the center to heat through. It should take about 20 minutes for the bake to warm up nicely.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked pasta mixture. Simply assemble everything in your baking dish but skip the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and store it in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake it straight from the freezer, but increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake

300g pasta (penne or fusilli)
250g mushrooms, sliced
200g ricotta cheese
500ml béchamel sauce
100g grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Steps

Cook the Pasta

Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Mushrooms

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add sliced mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sautéed mushrooms, ricotta, and béchamel sauce. Stir until evenly mixed.

Assemble the Bake

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

Bake

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for about 25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the mix. You can also replace the béchamel with a homemade white sauce if you prefer!

Serving Suggestions

This creamy mushroom pasta bake is a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or some garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce. Consider adding a sprinkling of home-dried herbs like thyme or oregano on top before baking for an aromatic enhancement. You could also include some roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, in the mix for added color and nutrition.

For a hint of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes before serving, adding a delightful kick that contrasts the creaminess. Alternatively, serve it alongside a light, citrusy white wine to balance its richness, creating a comforting yet sophisticated dining experience.

Customize Your Bake

This recipe lends itself beautifully to customization based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Add proteins such as cooked chicken, spinach, or even canned tuna for an extra hearty meal. If you're looking to make it vegan, substitute the ricotta cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan béchamel sauce to maintain that creamy texture without dairy.

The creamy sauce can also be infused with different flavors. Consider mixing in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine while cooking the mushrooms to add complexity. These ingredient swaps not only create new flavor profiles but also make this dish adaptable for any occasion. You could serve a different version each time, keeping it exciting for everyone at the table.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this pasta bake in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What type of pasta is best for this dish?

I recommend using sturdy pasta shapes like penne or fusilli, as they hold the sauce well.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping tightly and placing it in the freezer.

→ What can I serve with this pasta bake?

A fresh green salad or some garlic bread would complement the dish nicely!