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Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

A hearty and comforting Italian-American pasta bake made with tender mostaccioli, savory Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, rich marinara sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

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)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the mostaccioli pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
  4. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
  5. Drain excess grease and transfer sausage to a plate.
  6. In the same skillet, sauté the green pepper and onion until softened.
  7. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  8. In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sausage, vegetables, and marinara sauce.
  9. Season with salt and black pepper, then mix gently until well combined.
  10. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  11. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  12. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve.

Notes

For a crispier cheese topping, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking while watching closely.