Dinner

Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Name: Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 oz mostaccioli pasta; 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 large green bell pepper, chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4–5 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

ByZoe Lane February 11, 2026February 11, 2026

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Introduction

This Healthy Baked Mostaccioli is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Packed with savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese, it offers a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and bake.

A close-up view of a white oven dish filled with baked penne pasta. The bottom layer shows cooked penne pasta mixed with a rich red tomato and meat sauce. On top, there is a thick, even layer of melted white cheese with golden brown spots and sprinkled green herbs. The dish is set on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there is a blurred glass of red wine and a white bowl of bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 oz mostaccioli pasta
1 lb Italian sausage
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4–5 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook the mostaccioli pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease and transfer sausage to a plate.
Step 4: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped green bell pepper and onion until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sausage, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then mix gently until well combined.
Step 6: Top evenly with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 8: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serving.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter option, use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage.
Add mushrooms or zucchini along with the bell pepper and onion for extra veggies.
Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content without sacrificing melty texture.
Mix some red pepper flakes into the sauce if you like a bit of heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with cooked penne pasta topped with melted mozzarella cheese and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, likely parsley. The pasta is covered in a tomato-based meat sauce with visible small chunks of meat and a rich red color. The cheese layer on top is creamy white and bubbly, slightly browned in some places. In the blurred background, there is a glass of red wine and another white bowl with what appears to be more pasta or bread. The surface beneath the bowl is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What type of pasta works best?

Mostaccioli is ideal for baking because its tubular shape holds sauce well. However, penne or rigatoni are good substitutes if mostaccioli is unavailable.