Description
This Healthy Baked Mostaccioli is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender mostaccioli pasta baked with savory Italian sausage, sautéed green bell pepper and onion, rich marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this dish combines balanced ingredients and easy preparation for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 oz mostaccioli pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 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
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled pasta dish.
- Cook pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the mostaccioli pasta until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease and transfer the sausage to a plate.
- Sauté vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the chopped green bell pepper and onion, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients: In a large baking dish, mix together the cooked mostaccioli pasta, browned sausage, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add cheese: Evenly top the pasta mixture with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to create a cheesy, golden crust when baked.
- 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 dish rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a leaner meal, substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage.
- You can add vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and a healthier option.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: healthy baked mostaccioli, Italian pasta bake, sausage pasta casserole, baked pasta recipe, easy dinner recipe
