Introduction

This Mushroom Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta Bake is a comforting, creamy dish that combines the richness of cauliflower alfredo sauce with hearty mushrooms and tender penne pasta. It’s an easy, satisfying meal perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

Mushroom Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 batch cauliflower alfredo sauce
1 lb penne pasta
16 oz sliced mushrooms
1 large onion, diced
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cauliflower alfredo sauce following its recipe instructions.
Step 2: In a large skillet, sauté the sliced mushrooms and diced onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Step 3: Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the mushrooms release their liquid and soften.
Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
Step 5: In a large 13 x 9 inch baking dish, combine the cooked penne, parmesan cheese, sautéed mushrooms and onions, chopped parsley, and cauliflower alfredo sauce. Stir gently to mix.
Step 6: Add salt to taste, about 1 teaspoon, or adjust based on your preference.
Step 7: Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture.
Step 8: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starts to brown.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add minced garlic to the mushrooms and onions while sautéing.
Swap penne for rigatoni or ziti for a different pasta shape that holds sauce well.
Mix in some cooked spinach or kale for added greens and nutrition.
Use a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese for a richer topping.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but baking helps retain the crispy cheese topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead of cauliflower alfredo?

Yes, you can substitute with your favorite store-bought Alfredo sauce if you prefer, though cauliflower alfredo adds a lighter, veggie-forward twist.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written, since it uses regular penne pasta. You can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free without altering the flavor significantly.

Mushroom Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 102 reviews

This Mushroom Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta Bake is a comforting and creamy dish combining tender penne pasta with a rich cauliflower-based alfredo sauce, sautéed mushrooms and onions, and a cheesy topping baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a delicious, wholesome twist on classic pasta alfredo that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce

1 batch cauliflower alfredo sauce (prepared separately)

Pasta and Vegetables

1 lb penne pasta
16 oz sliced mushrooms
1 large onion, diced
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

Cheeses

1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese

Other

1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

Prepare Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce: Begin by making the cauliflower alfredo sauce according to your preferred recipe or instructions. This sauce will serve as the creamy base for the bake.
Sauté Mushrooms and Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and diced onion, cooking for 10-15 minutes until the mushrooms release their liquid and reduce in size, and the onions become soft and translucent.
Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain well.
Combine Ingredients: In a large 13×9 inch baking dish, mix together the cooked penne, sautéed mushrooms and onions, freshly grated parmesan cheese, fresh chopped parsley, and the prepared cauliflower alfredo sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
Season: Add salt to taste, approximately 1 teaspoon, and gently mix it through the pasta mixture.
Top with Mozzarella: Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of the combined ingredients in the baking dish.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake the pasta for 10-15 minutes, or until the mozzarella is bubbly and starts to brown on top.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired for added freshness.

Notes

You can prepare the cauliflower alfredo sauce in advance and refrigerate it to save time.
Use fresh mushrooms and onions for the best flavor; cremini or white button mushrooms work well.
Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
For a vegan version, substitute parmesan and mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives.
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or broccoli to boost the nutrition.

Keywords: cauliflower alfredo, pasta bake, mushroom pasta, vegetarian pasta, baked pasta, creamy pasta dish