A delightful baked pasta dish featuring mushrooms, creamy cheese, and a golden crust.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and a perfect crust.
In a large skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, cooking until the mushrooms are tender and golden.
Stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.
Cook the penne in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with the remaining butter.
Reserve a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Grease a casserole dish. Layer the cooked penne, sautéed mushrooms, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese layer.
Press each layer gently to ensure even distribution.
Pour the heavy cream evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy baked mushroom penne!
Resting allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier.
