Baked Asparagus and Mushroom Pasta: A Creamy, Dreamy Delight

This baked asparagus and mushroom pasta recipe is a vegetarian comfort food masterpiece! It combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms and asparagus with a creamy, cheesy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the oven does most of the work. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck gathering, or a special occasion. The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful and satisfying:** The combination of asparagus, mushrooms, garlic, and parmesan creates a deeply savory and umami-rich flavor. The creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully.
* **Easy to make:** While it might look fancy, this recipe is surprisingly simple. You’ll mostly be chopping vegetables and cooking pasta; the oven takes care of the rest.
* **Vegetarian-friendly:** This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and can easily be adapted to be vegan or gluten-free.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or herbs.
* **Great for meal prep:** This pasta bakes well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pasta:** 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape. Penne, rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli all work well. I prefer penne because the sauce gets inside the tubes.
* **Asparagus:** 1 pound, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces. Choose asparagus spears that are firm and bright green.
* **Mushrooms:** 1 pound, sliced. Cremini (baby bella) or white button mushrooms are great choices. You can also use a mix of different types of mushrooms for a more complex flavor.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Used for sautéing the vegetables.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons. Adds richness to the sauce.
* **Flour:** 4 tablespoons. Used to thicken the sauce.
* **Milk:** 3 cups. Whole milk will result in a richer sauce, but 2% or even skim milk can be used.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1 cup, grated. Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality. Reserve some for topping.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 1 cup, shredded. Adds cheesy goodness and helps create a golden-brown crust. Reserve some for topping.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to bring out the flavors of the dish.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon. Adds a subtle earthy and herbal note.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (optional):** 1/4 teaspoon. For a touch of heat.
* **Fresh Parsley (optional):** Chopped, for garnish.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot for boiling pasta
* Large skillet or sauté pan
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Colander
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cheese grater

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Preheat the Oven and Cook the Pasta

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and set aside.

### 2. Sauté the Vegetables

* While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
* Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the mushrooms in batches to ensure they brown properly.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, until they are slightly tender-crisp. You want them to still have a bit of bite.
* Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
* Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

### 3. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

* In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
* Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly. It should be able to coat the back of a spoon.
* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and dried thyme until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
* Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

### 4. Assemble and Bake the Pasta

* Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce and toss to coat evenly.
* Gently fold in the sautéed mushrooms and asparagus.
* Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
* Sprinkle the top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and remaining parmesan cheese.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

### 5. Serve and Enjoy!

* Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use different vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Add them to the skillet along with the asparagus.
* **Add protein:** You can add cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp to make this a heartier meal. Add the cooked protein to the skillet along with the vegetables.
* **Use different cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Fontina, or provolone. Add them to the sauce along with the parmesan cheese, or use them as a topping.
* **Make it vegan:** To make this recipe vegan, use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast can be used to add a cheesy flavor to the sauce.
* **Make it gluten-free:** Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free. Make sure the flour you use for the roux is also gluten-free; a blend like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour works well.
* **Add a crunchy topping:** For a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, grated parmesan cheese, and herbs. Sprinkle the mixture over the pasta before baking.
* **Make it ahead:** You can assemble the pasta dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicier dish.
* **Fresh herbs:** Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or chives for an extra burst of flavor. Stir them into the pasta just before baking or use them as a garnish.
* **Deglaze the pan:** After cooking the mushrooms, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or vegetable broth to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds extra flavor to the sauce.

## Serving Suggestions

This baked asparagus and mushroom pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

* A side salad with a light vinaigrette
* Garlic bread
* Roasted vegetables
* Grilled chicken or fish

## Storage Instructions

* **To store:** Leftover baked pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **To reheat:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions.
* **To freeze:** Baked pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Conclusion

This baked asparagus and mushroom pasta is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to customize, making it a great way to use up leftover vegetables or experiment with different flavors. With its creamy sauce, cheesy topping, and satisfying combination of flavors and textures, this pasta bake is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and delicious meal! Enjoy!