Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Baked Mostaccioli recipe is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

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 your 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 any 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.
5. Step 5: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Step 6: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sausage, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce. Season with salt and black pepper, then gently mix until everything is well combined.
7. Step 7: Evenly top the mixture with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
9. Step 9: Let the baked mostaccioli rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a leaner version, substitute turkey sausage in place of Italian sausage.
• Add red pepper flakes to the sausage while cooking for a spicy kick.
• Mix in chopped mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
• Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through to keep the cheese melty and delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What pasta can I use if I can’t find mostaccioli?

Penne or rigatoni are great substitutes as they have a similar tubular shape that holds sauce well.

Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 77 reviews

This Healthy Baked Mostaccioli recipe features tender pasta baked with flavorful Italian sausage, green bell peppers, onions, garlic, and rich marinara sauce, topped with a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s a comforting, wholesome dish perfect for family dinners and meal prepping.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 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 & Garnishes

• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the mostaccioli pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Brown Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. 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 softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, browned sausage, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then mix gently to combine everything evenly.
6. Add Cheese Topping: Evenly distribute shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta mixture.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, 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, then serve warm.

Notes

• For a leaner option, use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage.
• To add extra veggies, consider including mushrooms or zucchini during the sauté step.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella for best melting results.
• Letting the dish rest after baking helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: baked mostaccioli, Italian sausage pasta bake, healthy pasta casserole, baked pasta recipe, mostaccioli with marinara