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
Scale
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.
