Baked Mostaccioli

This easy baked mostaccioli recipe combines tender pasta, flavorful Italian sausage, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella for a hearty and satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s customizable, freezer-friendly, and simple to make with pantry staples. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• Pasta and Sauce:
  • 1 pound uncooked mostaccioli pasta (see note)
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, see note)
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 (24-ounce) jars marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil and/or parsley for serving (optional)
• Cheese Layer:
  • 8 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Set your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the top third.
2. Prepare the Cheese Layer:
   • In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and oregano until smooth. Set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and return it to the same pot.
4. Cook the Sausage and Onions:
   • In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage and onion, breaking the sausage into crumbles. Cook for about 10 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
5. Add Garlic and Spices:
   • Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked sausage mixture to the pot with the pasta. Pour in the marinara sauce and toss everything together until evenly coated.
7. Assemble the Dish:
   • Spread half of the pasta mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish in an even layer.
   • Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, creating the cheesy middle layer.
   • Spread the remaining pasta mixture over the top and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake and Broil:
   • Bake the dish, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Switch the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Serve:
   • Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Comforting: This baked pasta dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or potlucks.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and minimal prep time.
• Customizable: Adapt the recipe with different proteins, sauces, or cheeses.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Easy to prepare ahead of time and bake when ready.

Tips

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Undercook by 2 minutes as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Layering: Evenly distribute the ricotta for a creamy and flavorful middle layer.
• Watch the Broil: Keep an eye on the cheese to prevent burning.
• Use Fresh Cheese: Grate Parmesan and mozzarella from a block for better melting and flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: Substitute sausage with ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles.
• Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Cheese: Replace ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, penne or ziti works well as alternatives to mostaccioli.

Can I freeze this dish? Yes, assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the dish and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.

Serving

Serve with a side of garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving for an extra cheesy finish.

Suggestions

• Meal Prep: Divide into individual portions for quick lunches throughout the week.
• Crowd Pleaser: Double the recipe and bake in two dishes for gatherings.
• Extra Herbs: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for enhanced flavor.