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Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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