Oven-baked pasta with mushrooms is a hearty and comforting dish that combines al dente rotini pasta, a light red sauce, and tender baby bella mushrooms.
Topped with melted mozzarella cheese and garnished with fresh basil, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a delicious and satisfying meal.
The earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs beautifully with the tangy tomato sauce, creating a dish that is both flavorful and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (340g) rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces (225g) baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta (10 minutes): Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce (15 minutes): While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the oven (5 minutes): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine pasta and sauce (5 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta with the prepared tomato sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Assemble the dish (10 minutes): Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the sliced baby bella mushrooms on top. Repeat with the remaining pasta and mushrooms. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the pasta (25-30 minutes): Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
- Garnish and serve (5 minutes): Remove the baked pasta from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
To perfect this oven-baked pasta with mushrooms, ensure the pasta is cooked to al dente to maintain its texture during baking.
You can customize the dish by adding other vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, for extra flavor and nutrition.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and garlic bread. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy this comforting and delicious baked pasta dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 30mg







