She Strengthens

Creamy Mushroom Pasta Bake: A Hearty, Easy Delight

Gather Your Ingredients

For a satisfying, comforting meal that’s sure to please, you’ll need:

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
• 1 pound sliced cremini mushrooms
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 cups homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup (see recipe link)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère, Fontina, or white cheddar cheese

Cooking Up a Storm

Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and return the pasta to the pot. Next, preheat your oven to 375°F and generously grease a 1 1/2-quart baking dish with butter.

Sautéing the Magic

In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, fresh thyme, and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally until the mushrooms are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove the thyme stems and set the mushroom mixture aside.

Assembling the Bake

Add the sautéed mushrooms, homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese to the cooked pasta. Stir until well combined, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.

Baking to Perfection

Bake the pasta bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh thyme if desired.

This creamy mushroom pasta bake is a comforting, easy meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion. With its rich, savory flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite.