Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Baked Mostaccioli is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish loaded with Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese. It’s perfect for a family dinner and easy to prepare ahead of time. Enjoy a satisfying meal that feels indulgent without being heavy.

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 kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then mix gently until well combined.
6. Step 6: Evenly top the mixture with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a leaner option, substitute turkey sausage for Italian sausage.
• Add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for more nutrition and flavor.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
• Top with fresh basil or oregano for an herby twist instead of parsley.

Storage

Store leftover baked mostaccioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid freezing as the texture of the pasta and cheese may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it uncovered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

What can I use if I don’t have Italian sausage?

You can substitute ground beef, ground turkey, or a plant-based sausage alternative to keep the flavor and texture similar.

Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 117 reviews

A hearty and wholesome baked mostaccioli recipe featuring Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheeses, all combined with savory marinara sauce and perfectly baked to golden bubbly perfection. This comforting pasta bake is perfect for an easy family dinner or meal prep.

• Author: Tara
• 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

Sauces & Dairy

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

Seasonings

• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled pasta dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the mostaccioli pasta until al dente, following package instructions for timing. Drain the pasta well and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Brown Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease and transfer the sausage to a plate.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped green bell pepper and onion. Sauté until they have softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
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. Gently mix everything together until well combined.
6. Add Cheese Topping: Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta mixture in the baking dish.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
8. Rest and Garnish: Let the baked mostaccioli rest for 5 minutes out of the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey for a different flavor.
• For a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta before baking, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a lighter option, reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat cheese varieties.

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