Description
This Healthy Baked Mostaccioli recipe is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired casserole featuring tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and rich marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a hearty dinner option, it combines simple ingredients into a delicious baked dish that’s easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat
- 16 oz mostaccioli pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Cheese
- 4–5 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the mostaccioli pasta until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and transfer the sausage to a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, sauté the chopped green bell pepper and onion until they become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, mix together the cooked mostaccioli, browned sausage, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the baked mostaccioli from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the sausage and add extra vegetables or plant-based meat substitutes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Ensure the pasta is not overcooked since it will cook further in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Healthy baked mostaccioli, Italian sausage pasta casserole, baked pasta recipe, easy Italian dinner, baked mostaccioli with cheese
