Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Baked Mostaccioli is a comforting pasta dish packed with Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying family dinner any night of the week.

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 to combine.
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 on top.
8. Step 8: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the Italian sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free mostaccioli pasta to suit dietary preferences.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture for a spicy kick.
• Mix in some fresh spinach or zucchini with the vegetables for extra nutrients and color.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot. This dish does not freeze well due to the cheese texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, ground beef or turkey can be substituted for Italian sausage. For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning and a bit of fennel seed to mimic sausage spices.

How do I know when the mostaccioli pasta is al dente?

Al dente means the pasta is cooked but still firm to the bite. Start checking the pasta for doneness a minute or two before the package’s recommended cooking time by tasting a piece.

Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 85 reviews

A delicious and comforting Healthy Baked Mostaccioli recipe featuring tender pasta baked with savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 16 oz mostaccioli pasta

Meat

• 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 ensure it’s ready for baking the assembled dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the mostaccioli pasta until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
3. Brown Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles for even cooking. Drain excess grease and transfer the sausage to a plate.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté chopped green bell pepper and onion until they soften, enhancing their sweetness and flavor. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, but not burnt.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, mix the cooked pasta, browned sausage, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently combine everything to evenly distribute flavors without breaking pasta.
6. Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the mixture to create a deliciously cheesy crust after baking.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
8. Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the baked mostaccioli rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• Cooking the pasta al dente is key to avoid a mushy texture after baking.
• Drain excess grease from sausage to keep the dish healthy and prevent it from being oily.
• You can use turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• If marinara sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of water or broth to your desired consistency.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and mild herbal flavor.

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