If you are craving a warm, comforting dish that brings the whole family to the table, look no further than this Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe. It’s a delightful Italian-American casserole that combines perfectly cooked mostaccioli pasta with rich Italian sausage, a hearty tomato sauce bursting with flavor, and layers of gooey, melty cheese that create a cozy, irresistible pasta bake. The way the mozzarella bubbles on top and the mixture of ricotta and Parmesan inside gives this dish an incredibly satisfying texture and taste that everyone will adore. Trust me, once you try this Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe, it will become your new go-to for a comforting meal that’s both simple to make and wonderfully delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color—making this dish as vibrant to look at as it is pleasing to eat.
- 1 pound mostaccioli pasta: This tubular pasta holds sauce beautifully and bakes up with a lovely bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the sausage.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed): The main protein that infuses the dish with savory depth and a touch of spice if desired.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Provides sweetness and body to the sauce once sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Offers aromatic warmth that perfectly complements the sausage and tomato base.
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce: A rich tomato foundation that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Adds texture and balances freshness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings an earthy, slightly sweet herbaceous note.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds classic Italian herb flavor for complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a gentle kick, customizable to your heat preference.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it adds luscious texture and a subtle tang.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Melts perfectly to create that iconic cheesy blanket on top and mixed into the pasta.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sharp, nutty accent that enriches the entire dish.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to finish.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta and Sauce
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish, so the cheesy goodness doesn’t stick. Then, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the mostaccioli until it’s just al dente—that’s the perfect texture to hold up in the bake without getting mushy. Drain it and set aside while you make the sauce. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat and add the Italian sausage. Brown it nicely, breaking it up as you go to ensure every bite has that rich, meaty flavor.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Once the sausage is beautifully browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial because the sautéed onions and garlic create a sweet, savory foundation that elevates the entire dish. Next, pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes along with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and season with salt and black pepper. Let everything simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld into a luscious sauce.
Step 3: Combine and Layer
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked mostaccioli, the sausage-tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, half the shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This creamy, cheesy mixture is the heart of your Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe, ensuring each forkful is bursting with flavor and luscious texture. Spread this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. For that ultimate ooey-gooey finish, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake covered for 20 minutes to allow everything to heat through and the flavors to marry beautifully. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top—the absolute signal that your comfort food masterpiece is ready. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving so it sets perfectly and is easier to portion out.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is the perfect finishing touch, adding a bright, herbal freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheeses and sauce. For a little extra flair, you could even sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or a dusting of extra Parmesan to elevate presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully hearty on its own, but you can pair it with a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to balance out the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a fantastic side to soak up all the leftover sauce on your plate—something your guests will absolutely love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in smaller ramekins or shallow bowls instead of a big casserole. You can even layer it in a clear glass dish for a beautiful visual effect, showcasing the colors of the pasta, sauce, and cheese. This Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe also makes a wonderful hearty filling for stuffed bell peppers or zucchini boats when you want to mix things up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe is a gift that keeps on giving. Store any extra portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats nicely and tastes just as comforting the next day, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can definitely freeze this dish either before baking or after it’s baked and cooled. To freeze before baking, assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it from frozen—just add extra baking time and keep it covered until hot and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or bake the whole dish covered at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For a crispier top, uncover it during the last 5 minutes of baking to bring back that golden cheese crust everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta instead of mostaccioli?
Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni work beautifully as substitutes since they have similar shapes that hold the sauce well. Just keep cooking times similar for al dente texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based meat alternative or add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for hearty, meaty texture without the meat.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble everything a day before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh right before serving. This makes it great for stress-free entertaining.
What can I do if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
As a substitute, cottage cheese is a good alternative, just blend it a bit to smooth out the curds, or use a mix of cream cheese and a little sour cream for creaminess.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that brightens the rich flavors without overwhelming heat. You can always omit them or add more depending on your tolerance for spice.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe is truly one of those comforting, feel-good meals that brings warmth and smiles every time it’s served. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a hearty crowd-pleaser, it’s simple to prepare and rewards you with incredible layers of flavor and cheesy bliss. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta bake to treasure for years to come.
Print
Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli is a hearty Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender mostaccioli pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 pound mostaccioli pasta (or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce & Meat:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheeses & Garnish:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the mostaccioli pasta until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce mixture over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes to combine flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked mostaccioli pasta, the sausage sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and cheeses.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef or a plant-based sausage for the Italian sausage to suit dietary preferences.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables and flavor variations.
- This dish freezes well—assemble ahead and bake straight from frozen by adding extra baking time.
