Ingredients:
- 500g penne
- 150g grated kefalotyri cheese
- 150g grated gouda cheese
- 300g bacon, diced
- 300g mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 500g heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
For the Bacon and Mushrooms:
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan.
- Sauté the bacon and mushrooms until lightly browned.
For the Penne:
- Fill a pot halfway with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Add the penne and cook for 15–20 minutes, ensuring they are slightly undercooked.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Assembly and Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Place the cooked penne in the dish and mix them with half the heavy cream, the sautéed bacon and mushrooms, half of the cheeses, and some pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and pour the rest of the heavy cream over it.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese has melted beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy:
This creamy, cheesy baked penne with crispy bacon and tender mushrooms is pure comfort food. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, it’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Serve hot and enjoy every gooey, flavorful bite!
