Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Baked Mostaccioli is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish packed with Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and plenty of cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it balances hearty ingredients with wholesome marinara sauce for a satisfying meal.

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 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 freshly ground 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 on top.
8. Step 8: Let the baked mostaccioli rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute Italian sausage with cooked mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat without sacrificing flavor.
• Mix in chopped spinach or zucchini with the vegetables to boost nutrition.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the best texture, or microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What type of marinara sauce works best?

Use a high-quality marinara sauce with natural ingredients for the best flavor. Homemade or store-bought options both work well in this recipe.

Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 61 reviews

This Healthy Baked Mostaccioli is a hearty and delicious Italian-American casserole featuring al dente mostaccioli pasta, savory Italian sausage, sautéed green bell peppers and onions, all combined with rich marinara sauce and topped with a golden layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this baked pasta dish is flavorful, easy to prepare, and balanced with vegetables for added nutrition.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 16 oz mostaccioli pasta

Protein

• 1 lb Italian sausage

Vegetables and Aromatics

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

Sauce and Cheese

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

Seasonings and 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 prepare for baking the assembled mostaccioli dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the mostaccioli pasta and cook until al dente as per package instructions. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
3. Brown Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and transfer the sausage to a plate.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped green bell pepper and onion until they are softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked mostaccioli pasta, browned sausage, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated.
6. Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta mixture to create a cheesy crust when baked.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese has melted completely, is bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked mostaccioli rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving warm.

Notes

• You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner version.
• For extra vegetables, consider adding mushrooms or zucchini when sautéing peppers and onions.
• Use low-sodium marinara sauce to reduce salt content.
• Leftover baked mostaccioli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• If you prefer a crispier top, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes while watching carefully to avoid burning.

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