Mushroom Noodle Bake: A Creamy, Cheesy Oven-Baked Comfort

Mushroom Noodle Bake is the ultimate creamy, cozy dish for those days when you need something filling, comforting, and packed with flavor. Loaded with sautéed mushrooms, tender pasta, and a rich cheese sauce, it’s an oven-baked meal that hits every note—earthy, savory, and perfectly indulgent. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping a few meals ahead of time, this dish brings ease and satisfaction to your table with every bite.

What makes this casserole shine is its creamy texture and the deep umami flavor from the mushrooms, which pair beautifully with mild cheese and herbs. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own but also makes a fantastic side for roasted meats or a crisp salad.

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or egg noodles)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish

Optional Add-Ins
1 cup baby spinach
Cooked shredded chicken
Red pepper flakes for spice

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and mushrooms, and sauté for 7–8 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and turn golden. Add thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Sprinkle in flour and stir well to coat the mushrooms. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking to form a smooth sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Stir in sour cream, half of the mozzarella, and all the parmesan until melted. Add cooked pasta and mix well. If using spinach or chicken, fold them in now.

Step 6: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

You can make this dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of milk or adding roasted vegetables. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers. Feel free to double the batch and freeze one pan for later. For a crispy top, add breadcrumbs mixed with butter before baking.

Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American / Vegetarian
Course: Dinner, Casserole

Conclusion

Mushroom Noodle Bake is everything you want in a baked dinner—creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. It brings comfort to the table without requiring complicated steps or fancy ingredients. The rich mushroom flavor paired with melty cheese and tender noodles makes this dish a go-to for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meal plans. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a staple in your comfort food collection.