FRENCH ONION PASTA BAKE

This recipe is for recipe experiment night.  I was looking for a tasty alternative that I could also use as leftovers for my lunches.  I am happy to report that it was a success!

 

FRENCH ONION PASTA BAKE
6 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon avocado oil
8 ounces button mushrooms, 1/4 inch slices
1 large shallot, halved and sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Better than Chicken bouillon
4 ounces heavy cream
2 tablespoons Marsala Wine
3-4 FRESH thyme sprigs
3/4 cup seasoned croutons, crushed
4 ounces shredded Mozzarella

• Preheat oven to 400°.
• Spray baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
• Prepare pasta al dente.
• Drain pasta WELL and set aside.
• In a large skillet melt butter and avocado oil.
• Add mushrooms, onions and garlic. Season with FRESH ground salt and pepper, stirring and cooking 10-12 minutes until caramelized and deep brown.
• Whisk together the Marsala wine, cream, two-thirds of the thyme, and the bouillon base.  Add to the mushroom mixture stirring and blending together until heated through.
• Fold in the pasta and then half the cheese.
• Spread into prepared baking dish.
• Top with remaining cheese and crushed croutons.
• Bake 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
• Top with remaining thyme.

NOTE: Penne pasta works best, but any other similar sized pasta would work well too.