This is the perfect comfort meal to warm you up on a cold evening(Image: (Image: Getty))

Mary Berry's double cheese pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food - recipe

by · DevonLive

Deciding what to whip up for dinner can be a real head-scratcher, especially when catering to a crowd, but Mary Berry's double cheese pasta bake is a no-fuss feast that promises to please. This ultimate comfort dish is crowned with a duo of cheeses and an assortment of mushrooms for a rich, earthy flavour.

In her 'Family Sunday Lunches' cookbook, Mary penned: "A great dish for vegetarians. It's easy to make ahead so you'll just have to pop it in the oven to cook."

She also advised: "Then all you'll need is a dressed salad to serve with it. Use a variety of mushrooms like oysters, shiitake, chestnut and button."

Prepping this scrumptious meal takes under 10 minutes, followed by a brief stint in the oven for five minutes, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a speedy yet satisfying supper. Here's how to create Mary Berry's double cheese pasta delight for six people, reports the Express.

Mary Berry's double cheese pasta takes just 15 minutes to make(Image: (Image: Getty))

Ingredients (serves six)

  • 225g of penne pasta
  • 500g of mixed mushrooms (thickly sliced)
  • 175g of Parmesan cheese
  • 175g of Gruyere cheese
  • 50g of butter
  • 50g of flour
  • 300ml of milk
  • One onion (roughly chopped)
  • Two large cloves of garlic (crushed)
  • 300ml of double cream
  • One tablespoon of thyme
  • Two tablespoons of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

You will need:

  • A 1.2 litre ovenproof dish

Method:

Kick things off by salting a pot of water and bringing it to the boil. Toss in your chopped onions and pasta, letting them simmer until they're perfectly tender.

Check the pasta packet for precise cooking times. While the pasta bubbles away, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan.

Once it's sizzling, introduce your chopped mushrooms and sauté on high for three minutes. Then, stir in the garlic and let it fry for another minute.

To whip up the sauce, start by melting the butter in a separate pan. Once it's melted, add the flour and give it a good stir on high heat for about a minute.

This tasty pasta dish is quick and easy to make for a large group of people(Image: (Image: Getty))

Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth consistency. Season your sauce with a hint of thyme and slowly incorporate each cheese into the mix, followed by a dash of salt and pepper.

Next, blend in the cooked pasta, onions, and mushrooms and transfer the mixture into an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle any leftover cheese on top of the pasta.

Pop it in the oven under the grill setting for around five minutes until you see a golden, bubbling topping. Voila!

Your delectable pasta is ready to be served.