Wild Mushroom Pasta Bake with Spinach and Prosciutto
Course: Main Course, Pasta
Servings: 10
Author: Le Crueset
Ingredients
6tablespoonsbutterdivided
1small onionchopped small
1lb.wild mushroomscleaned and chopped
2tablespoonssherry
3tablespoonsfresh thymechopped, divided
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1tablespoonflour
1cupwhole milk
1/2cupheavy cream
12ouncesGruyere cheeseshredded
Pinchof freshly grated nutmeg
4cupscooked pastasuch as penne or macaroni
2cupsbaby spinachtorn into bite size pieces
3ouncesprosciuttochopped
1 1/4cupsfresh bread crumbs
3tablespoonsgrated parmesan
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Prepare the mushrooms: Place 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet and melt over medium heat. Add half the chopped onion. Cook over medium heat 2 – 3 minutes until soft, but not browned. Add half of the mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon sherry, 1 tablespoon thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the mushrooms are just tender. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Repeat with the rest of the mushrooms.
Prepare the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook about 1 minute. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking continuously. Cook over medium heat until the milk begins to thicken, whisking all the while. Once thickened, remove from heat and add the Gruyere, stirring until smooth and melted. Add nutmeg and season with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, mushroom mixture, spinach, prosciutto and cheese sauce. Transfer to casserole dish. Cover and bake 20 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, remaining tablespoon of thyme and Parmesan. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with the breadcrumb mixture.
Remove pasta from the oven and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top. Increase oven temperature to 375 F and bake 15 – 20 more minutes, uncovered, until golden and bubbly.