Go Back
–+ servings

Classic Baked Mostaccioli with Italian Sausage

This hearty mostaccioli recipe combines tender penne pasta with a rich, meaty sauce and plenty of melted cheese for the ultimate Italian-American comfort food. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound penne pasta or mostaccioli pasta if available
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 pound Italian sausage mild or hot, casings removed
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 24-ounce jars marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture, stirring gently to coat every piece.
  8. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese.
  9. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  10. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  11. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 14gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 772mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!