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Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/healthy-baked-mostaccioli-recipe/