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Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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