I love a good one-skillet pasta bake. It’s so simple, yet cozy, comforting, and so flavorful! The ingredients are easy to find and can be adjusted to preference, and I’ve included higher-protein options as well. I’ve been making this easy healthy dinner for YEARS and it’s still one of my favorite go-to’s on busy weeknights!
RELATED: Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Mushroom and Spinach Pasta Bake
- 30 Minutes – So quick and easy for busy weeknights.
- Cozy & Comforting – Warm, cheesy, and hearty… everything you want in a pasta bake!
- So Many Veggies – Made with mushrooms and spinach for a boost of nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
- Cheesy Goodness (Toddler Friendly) – Even picky eaters love this cheesy pasta bake (and it’s an easy way to sneak in those greens!).
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble it ahead of time and bake when you’re ready for dinner.
- Vegetarian – A meatless meal that’s still filling and satisfying.
Ingredients for Spinach Pasta Bake
- Whole Wheat Penne Pasta (or spaghetti) – chickpea pasta or gluten-free pasta are also great options!
- Olive Oil
- Garlic
- Sliced Mushrooms
- Chopped Spinach
- Pasta Sauce
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Fresh Mozzarella Slices (or another 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella)
- Fresh Oregano
- Crushed Red Pepper (optional)

Recommended Equipment
I like using a cast iron skillet (or any oven-safe skillet) to keep it all in one pan. However, you can also saute the mushrooms and garlic, then pour it all into a baking dish or casserole dish!
How to Make Mushroom and Spinach Pasta Bake
This almost-one-pan healthy dinner recipe is so easy to put together! And the best part is that you can make it in just 30 minutes. Here’s how to make a delicious, hearty Mushroom & Spinach Pasta Bake:
- Cook the pasta according to directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, saute the garlic and mushrooms in a cast iron skillet (or any oven-safe pan).
- Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped spinach.
- Add the cooked pasta, pasta sauce, seasoning, and shredded mozzarella.
- Top the casserole with fresh mozzarella slices (or more shredded mozzarella).
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, then let cool for another 5 minutes.
- Enjoy!
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Spinach Pasta Bake Variations and Substitutions
- Feel free to use a homemade pasta sauce instead. I always love using homemade sauces, but since this recipe is focused on busy weeknights, I decided to go with a jar of marinara sauce instead. This one is so good!
- Add a little bit of parmesan cheese over the top to really take the cheesy goodness up a notch!
- This recipe is vegetarian, but you can also add any type of protein of choice (chicken, ground beef, sausage).
- Top with fresh oregano and red pepper flakes for an extra delicious meal!
Serving Suggestions for Spinach Pasta Bake
This easy pasta bake is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also easy to pair with other dishes if you want to round things out. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
- With a fresh side salad – Something crisp and tangy like my Shaved Fennel Salad, which balances the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette – Because extra carbs are always a good idea when there’s cheesy sauce involved!
- Roasted vegetables – Try garlic roasted broccoli or these Easy Roasted Carrots for a side.
- Soup and pasta night – Pair it with a lighter soup like Homemade Tomato Soup for the ultimate cozy dinner.
- Topped with fresh herbs and red pepper flakes – Adds a pop of color and just a little heat.
How to Store Mushroom and Spinach Pasta Bake
Store leftovers in an airtight glass container (since the pasta sauce can stain plastic)! This recipe can last in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or the freezer for up to 3 months.
To freeze, let cool in the fridge for 1 hour before moving to the freezer. When ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen in the microwave or put it back in the oven until everything is warm!

More Healthy Pasta Recipes
- Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
- Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
- Shrimp Scampi w/ Zucchini Noodles
- Chicken Tomato Pesto Burrata Pasta
- Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe
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Mushroom and Spinach Pasta Bake
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (washed and dried)
- 2-3 cups chopped spinach
- 24 ounces pasta sauce (about 2.5 cups)
- 1 Tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella (or another 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella)
- fresh oregano for garnish
- crushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions and drain, set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in large cast iron skillet.
- Lightly sauté the garlic, then add in the sliced mushrooms.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
- Add the chopped spinach and turn off the heat.
- Quickly add the pasta, pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Mix in the shredded mozzarella.
- Top with sliced mozzarella (or more shredded mozzarella).
- Bake for about 20 minutes, let cool slightly, and enjoy!

Dee says:
This pasta was incredible! My entire family loved it. Even those who despise mushrooms. Great recipe.
Jar Of Lemons replied:
Thanks for giving this a try, Dee!
Dennis says:
What an easy-to-make and delicious dish! My family loved it!
Mikayla says:
This dish has a wonderful earthy flavor from the mushrooms and spinach. We really enjoyed it for our dinner!
Jar Of Lemons replied:
So glad you enjoyed this, Mikayla!
Carrie Robinson says:
This looks like the perfect cheesy comfort food to me! 🙂 I just love a good pasta bake. Definitely making this one for my family soon.
Jamie says:
It looks so good i want to cry! Look at those toppings and sauce! Geez I would eat this all by myself!
Amy Liu Dong says:
This is now my new favorite pasta recipe. It is so delicious and so easy to make, even my kids love it!
Alexandra says:
We made this pasta bake for dinner and it came out so well. Love the mushroom and spinach combination – such a good way of getting in some extra veggies. The melted mozzarella on top made this feel really luxurious. Delicious 🙂
Gloria says:
We love pasta, and cooking in cast iron. The combination of spinach and mushrooms is so delicious. A hit with the family for dinner.
Jessica says:
Easy and delicious for a weeknight family meal. Great flavors.
Jar Of Lemons replied:
Thank you! 🙂
Neha says:
Thanks for this simple yet absolutely delicious recipe Christine! It was so easy to make and the pasta tasted so so so good!!!!!
Christine McMichael replied:
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Neha! 🙂
Kari says:
Yum! This looks delicious!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Kari! 😉
LaKisha Riddick says:
Look at all that cheesy delicious goodness!!!! I love casseroles. They’re perfect for my family of 5!!! Pinned!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, LaKisha! Me too! 😉 Thanks for Pinning!
Karly says:
I need all that melty cheese all up in my business ASAP. Seriously, this looks so good! I’ve gotta give it a try!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Karly! Haha, it’s so good!
Nellwyn says:
Looks delicious! I love anything with mushrooms
Nellwyn | http://www.thecardinalpress.com
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you! 😉
Bethany @ Athletic Avocado says:
This pasta bake looks incredible! I love the addition of the mushrooms and spinach! Noms!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Bethany! ME too!