Cheesy Baked Pasta with Sausage & Mushrooms

 Cheesy Baked Pasta with Sausage & Mushrooms

 Ingredients:

• 14 oz (400 g) pasta (shells, penne, or any type)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup sausage or pepperoni, sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella + cheddar)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon oregano (optional)

 Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta
   Boil in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the creamy sauce
   • Melt butter in a pan
   • Add garlic, then stir in flour and cook for 1 minute
   • Gradually add milk while stirring until thick
   • Add half of the cheese, salt, pepper, and spices
3. Cook the filling
   In another pan, sauté mushrooms in a little oil, then add sausage/pepperoni and cook until slightly browned.
4. Combine everything
   Mix pasta with the sauce, then add mushrooms and sausage. Stir well.
5. Bake
   • Transfer to a baking dish
   • Top with remaining cheese
   • Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly

 Result:

Creamy, cheesy, rich, and slightly crispy on top—perfect comfort food