Baked Mostaccioli is a comforting, flavorful Italian dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This easy recipe is a classic your family will love!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb rigatoni or penne pasta
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (medium spice)
- 28 oz marinara sauce
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 8 oz block mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil leaves
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions.
- Strain the pasta and return it to the pot. Set aside.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Sausage Mixture:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds.
- Add the Italian sausage and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Push the sausage to one side of the skillet and add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and seasonings. Cook for another 3 minutes, sautéing until fragrant.
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Mix the cooked sausage mixture with the pasta in the pot.
- Add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and the marinara sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased oven-safe casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle extra dried oregano and basil for added flavor.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Switch the oven to broil and cook for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 467 kcal
This Baked Mostaccioli is a hearty, cheesy delight that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!