Description
This Healthy Baked Mostaccioli recipe combines al dente pasta with savory Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and a rich marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked to bubbly perfection, this comforting dish is a wholesome and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 16 oz mostaccioli pasta
- 4–5 cups marinara sauce
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the mostaccioli pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain well and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles for even cooking. Drain any excess grease and transfer the cooked sausage to a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped green bell pepper and onion until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, mix together the cooked pasta, browned sausage, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir gently until everything is well combined.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Using fresh homemade marinara sauce can enhance the flavor, but store-bought works well for convenience.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Baked Mostaccioli, Healthy Pasta Bake, Italian Sausage Pasta, Easy Baked Pasta, Comfort Food
