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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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