Baked Asparagus and Mushroom Pasta

Take classic Mediterranean flavors and make American-style comfort food for your family! If you are looking for a meatless meal, serve this with a salad and crusty bread. If your family prefers a protein, a rotisserie chicken or a slice of ham would be an easy and tasty addition to the lovely flavors of this casserole.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 356 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 1 (8 ounce) package sliced mushrooms
• 2 cups 1% milk
• ¼ cup shredded provolone cheese
• ½ (16 ounce) package gemelli pasta
• 2 tablespoons herb-infused extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ⅔ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
• ⅓ cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 7x11-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook gemelli at a boil until flexible but still firm to the bite, about 6 minutes.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and stir for 2 minutes. Add asparagus and mushrooms and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms begin to soften and asparagus is bright green, about 4 minutes.

Step 4

Add tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Pour the vegetable mixture into a large mixing bowl. Drain pasta and stir into the bowl.

Step 6

Melt butter in the same skillet. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture bubbles, about 4 minutes. Pour in milk, stirring briskly to avoid lumps. Continue to stir until sauce thickens and bubbles again, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/3 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano and provolone cheese until melted.

Step 7

Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and vegetables and stir to combine. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Taste and adjust seasonings. Toss remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano with bread crumbs and sprinkle over the casserole.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and lightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes.