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Pasta and Mushrooms with Parmesan Crumb Topping

This mushroom pasta bake is an elevated take on vegetarian comfort food, combining earthy porcini and cremini mushrooms for a deep, savoury flavour. The dish is finished with a vibrant, golden parmesan and parsley crumb that adds a wonderful crunch to every bite. By using a mix of fresh and dried mushrooms, you achieve a rich sauce that clings perfectly to the campanelle or gemelli pasta shapes.

As a high-protein vegetarian option, this recipe is both filling and nutritious, making it an ideal choice for a midweek family dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering. The use of fresh breadcrumbs and extra-virgin olive oil ensures a premium texture that shop-bought alternatives simply cannot match. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Pasta and Mushrooms with Parmesan Crumb Topping

  • 5g dried porcini mushrooms (about 120ml )

  • 120ml boiling-hot water

  • 650ml coarse fresh bread crumbs (from an Italian or French loaf)

  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

  • 60g finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (230g )

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 575g fresh cremini mushrooms, trimmed and quartered

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled

  • 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

  • 240ml reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

  • 230g campanelle or gemelli pasta

How to make Pasta and Mushrooms with Parmesan Crumb Topping

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 218°C. Butter a 13- by 9-inch or other 3-quart glass or ceramic baking dish.

Soak porcini in boiling-hot water in a bowl until softened, about 20 minutes.

Spread out crumbs in a shallow baking pan and bake, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 6 minutes. Cool completely in pan on a rack, then toss with garlic, parsley, olive oil, pepper, and 120ml cheese.

Drain porcini in a paper-towel-lined sieve set over a bowl and reserve soaking liquid, then rinse porcini to remove any grit. Pat dry and finely chop.

Heat butter and extra-virgin olive oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté onion and garlic, stirring, until onion is golden, about 8 minutes. Add cremini mushrooms, oregano, salt, and pepper and sauté, stirring occasionally, until liquid mushrooms give off is evaporated and mushrooms are browned, about 10 minutes.

Stir in chopped porcini, reserved soaking liquid, and broth and simmer 1 minute.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water, uncovered, until al dente. Drain in a colander, then transfer to baking dish and stir in mushroom mixture and remaining 60g cheese.

Sprinkle bread topping evenly over pasta and bake, uncovered, until crumbs are golden, 15 to 20 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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