Mushroom Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
