Print

Mini Mushroom Pasta Bakes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 148 reviews

This Mini Mushroom Pasta Bakes recipe features al dente rigatoni combined with a rich, creamy sauce made from caramelized onions, garlic, and button mushrooms. The sauce is thickened with butter, flour, and Dijon mustard, then enriched with smoked gouda for a smoky, cheesy flavor. Finished with a crispy breadcrumb topping and baked in individual mini loaf pans, these pasta bakes are perfect for individual servings or a charming dinner presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

PASTA

  • 1 lb. rigatoni
  • Kosher salt (for boiling water)

SAUCE & VEGGIES

  • 9 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 large cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 lb. button mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 10 oz. smoked gouda, shredded
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt (for onions)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (for mushrooms)

TOPPING & GARNISH

  • 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
  • 1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange six mini loaf pans, each measuring approximately 5 3/4″ x 3 3/4″, on a sheet tray for easy handling during baking.
  2. Cook the rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until very al dente, approximately 7 to 8 minutes, making sure the white inner part of the pasta is still visible when cut. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  3. Caramelize onions and garlic: In a large pot over medium heat, warm 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and grated garlic, seasoning with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply caramelized and softened, about 15 to 20 minutes. Once done, transfer this mixture to a medium bowl.
  4. Sauté mushrooms and combine: In the same pot over medium-high heat, heat the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Add sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn crispy and caramelized, around 10 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon salt. Return the onion and garlic mixture to the pot along with the butter pieces and stir until the butter melts.
  5. Make the roux and add cream: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook, stirring frequently, until the flour turns lightly golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and gradually whisk in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, ensuring there are no lumps.
  6. Simmer and add cheese: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer then remove it from heat. Stir in the shredded smoked gouda until fully melted and combined. If the sauce is too thick, adjust consistency by adding 1/2 to 1 cup of the reserved pasta water.
  7. Combine pasta and sauce: Fold the drained rigatoni into the creamy mushroom sauce, mixing until evenly coated.
  8. Prepare breadcrumb topping: In a separate small bowl, toss the plain bread crumbs with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until the texture resembles wet sand. This will create a crunchy topping when baked.
  9. Assemble the mini bakes: Divide the creamy pasta mixture evenly among the prepared mini loaf pans. Sprinkle each portion with the oiled breadcrumb topping.
  10. Bake and garnish: Bake the assembled pasta bakes in the preheated oven until the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown, about 10 to 13 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Cooking the pasta al dente ensures that it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
  • Caramelizing the onions and mushrooms enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce.
  • Adjust the consistency of the sauce with reserved pasta water to your liking.
  • The mini loaf pans allow for perfect single-serving portions and nice presentation.
  • Smoked gouda adds a rich smoky flavor, but you can substitute with other melting cheeses if desired.
  • Breadcrumb topping gives a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy pasta bake.

Keywords: mini pasta bake, mushroom pasta, baked rigatoni, smoked gouda pasta, creamy mushroom pasta, individual pasta servings, comfort food

Find it online: https://spiceupwithsophie.com/mini-mushroom-pasta-bakes-recipe/