Mushroom Macaroni
Creamy mushroom macaroni combines tender pasta with savory sautéed mushrooms and a cheesy breadcrumb topping, making it a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Sauté chopped onion and sliced mushrooms in 1 tablespoon oil and 3 tablespoons butter for about 15 minutes.
- Add another 3 tablespoons butter and stir until melted.
- Stir in flour until smooth.
- Gradually stir in milk.
- Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in cooked macaroni and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley.
- Transfer mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
- Combine bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon oil, and melted butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the casserole.
- Bake until browned, about 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the mushrooms and onions. If you're out of Parmesan, try substituting with Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. To enhance the dish, add sautéed spinach or kale for additional nutrition and color. This recipe is also a great way to use leftover cooked macaroni from your favorite Cooked Macaroni And Cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This Mushroom Macaroni pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a slice of Orange Butter Bread for a satisfying dinner. For a heartier option, consider serving it with grilled chicken or a side of Mamaw'S Pecan Pie for dessert to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mushroom Macaroni contains roughly 1189 calories, with 24g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (75% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of mushrooms in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or portobello for added depth of flavor. Each variety will bring its unique taste and texture, enhancing the overall dish.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. Make sure to check that your bread crumbs are also gluten-free to keep the entire dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
How can I add more protein to this recipe?
To boost the protein content, consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas. You could also mix in some cooked bacon or Italian sausage for extra flavor and heartiness, making this a more filling meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).