Pasta with béchamel sauce, mushrooms, and mozzarella

Pasta with Bechamel sauce, mushrooms, and mozzarella

I invite you to discover a delicious recipe for pasta with Bechamel sauce, mushrooms, and mozzarella, which promises to delight the taste buds even of the most discerning pasta lovers. Although I am not a big fan of pasta, this recipe convinced me that pasta can be truly extraordinary, enriched with a creamy and flavorful sauce. Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 300 gr pasta (ideally penne, but you can use other shapes)
- 1 small jar (about 200 gr) mushrooms, fresh or canned
- 1 clove of garlic
- 150 gr mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 3-4 tablespoons grated cheese
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Bechamel sauce:

- 350 ml milk (preferably whole, for a creamier sauce)
- 30 gr butter
- 30 gr flour
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Preparation:

1. Preparing the mushrooms:
Start by washing the mushrooms under cold running water, then drain them well. If you are using fresh mushrooms, clean them and cut them into suitable pieces. Heat the oil in a large skillet, add the mushrooms and the clove of garlic, peeled and halved. Sauté over medium heat for 2 minutes. Then, add half a cup of water, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and let it simmer until all the liquid evaporates. This step will intensify the flavors of the mushrooms.

2. Boiling the pasta:
In a large pot, add salted water and bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.

3. Preparing the Bechamel sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. When it has completely melted, add the flour and mix well with a whisk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to stir for 1-2 minutes, then gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer, stirring, until it thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.

4. Assembling the dish:
Once the Bechamel sauce is ready, remove the garlic from the skillet with the mushrooms and add them to the sauce. Incorporate the diced mozzarella, Parmesan, and the cooked pasta, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Divide the pasta mixture into two suitable ceramic baking dishes. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top of each dish. Place the dishes in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

6. Serving:
Remove the pasta from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. These pasta with Bechamel sauce are perfect for a cozy dinner, alongside a fresh green salad or a refreshing drink.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe offers an ideal combination of carbohydrates from the pasta, protein from the mozzarella and Parmesan, and fiber from the mushrooms. Additionally, the Bechamel sauce adds a touch of healthy fats due to the butter and olive oil used. It is a balanced meal, full of flavor and nutrients.

Tips and suggestions:
- You can also add other vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, to enrich the dish and add more vitamins.
- If you want to turn this recipe into a vegetarian dish, make sure to use cheese without animal rennet.
- Instead of grated cheese, you can use feta cheese for a more intense flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole grain pasta? Yes, whole grain pasta is an excellent option for a higher fiber intake.
2. How can I make the Bechamel sauce lighter? You can use skim milk and a smaller amount of butter to reduce the calorie count.
3. What can I use instead of mozzarella? Gouda or ricotta cheese are excellent alternatives that will give a different but equally delicious flavor.

This recipe for pasta with Bechamel sauce, mushrooms, and mozzarella is not just a tasty dish, but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together at the table. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent together! Bon appétit!