Baked Asparagus and Mushroom Pasta
Baked Asparagus and Mushroom Pasta is a hearty and comforting vegetarian dish that combines fresh asparagus, mushrooms, and gemelli pasta in a creamy sauce, topped with melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and crispy panko breadcrumbs. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Vegetarian
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound (16 ounces) gemelli pasta
- 2 tablespoons herb-infused extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). -
Cook Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gemelli pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside. -
Sauté Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat herb-infused olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add asparagus and mushrooms, cooking until they begin to soften (approximately 5 minutes). Stir in cherry tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes, then season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat. -
Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and sautéed vegetables. Add half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine. -
Prepare Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated. -
Assemble Casserole:
Transfer the pasta and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top, then top with the buttered panko bread crumbs. -
Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. -
Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your baked asparagus and mushroom pasta!
Notes
- Pasta Substitutes: You can replace gemelli with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini.
- Herb Options: Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano can be added to enhance the flavor.
- Cheese Alternatives: Swap mozzarella and Parmesan for cheddar or fontina for a unique flavor.
