Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Baked Mostaccioli is a comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines tender pasta, savory sausage, and fresh vegetables topped with melted cheese. It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

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

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

Tips & Variations

• For a leaner option, substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken.
• Add chopped mushrooms or spinach to the vegetable mix for extra nutrients.
• Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat while keeping the cheesy flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage and vegetables.

Storage

Store leftover baked mostaccioli 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. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or ziti are great substitutes if you don’t have mostaccioli on hand.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You can also use plant-based sausage alternatives.

Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 69 reviews

This Healthy Baked Mostaccioli recipe offers a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired casserole packed with tender mostaccioli pasta, savory Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and a robust marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect comforting bake that’s easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 16 oz mostaccioli pasta

Protein

• 1 lb Italian sausage

Vegetables

• 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce & Cheese

• 4–5 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings & Garnish

• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the pasta casserole.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil the mostaccioli pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite but fully cooked. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
3. Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles until thoroughly browned. Then drain any excess grease and transfer the sausage to a plate.
4. Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, sauté the chopped green bell pepper and onion until they become softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, browned sausage, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then gently stir everything together to mix evenly.
6. Add Cheese Topping: Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top of the combined pasta mixture.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

• You can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• For a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and also freeze nicely for up to 2 months.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Keywords: baked pasta, mostaccioli recipe, Italian sausage pasta bake, easy dinner, baked pasta casserole, healthy pasta dish