This Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Pasta Bake with portobello mushrooms is a blissfully creamy mixture of cheese sauce, rich mushrooms, and hearty pasta that's oven-baked to golden perfection. It's a dream team combination of flavors that is easy enough for a weekday dinner but could easily star on your holiday table.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, in salted water, for one minute less than the box says. It will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and keep the large pot handy.
While the pasta is cooking you'll cook the vegetables and cheese sauce. In a large non-stick skillet, over medium heat. add the butter and sauté the shallot for about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the mushroom and thyme to the pan and stir well. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender. If the pan needs a bit of moisture, add a tablespoon or two of pasta water. Remove from the heat and set aside.
In the same pot you made the pasta in, melt the second tablespoon of butter. over medium heat. Add the flour to the pan and cook until a roux forms, whisking the two together. While whisking, pour the milk into the pan. Stir constantly until you have a thick cream.
Remove from the heat and stir in the shredded smoked gouda and 1 cup of the Italian Cheese Mix. Add salt and pepper to taste.
To the cheese sauce add the cooked pasta (macaroni) and cooked mushroom mixture. Stir well and add salt and pepper if desired.
Pour the smoked gouda macaroni and cheese into a pan, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Italian Cheese Mix on top.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until browned.
Notes
Store any leftover in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.