Mostaccioli Baked Pasta with Creamy Sauce Italian Sausag
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with this Mostaccioli Baked Pasta with Creamy Sauce and Italian Sausage. This hearty dish combines al dente mostaccioli pasta with savory Italian sausage, a luscious tomato-cream sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for the ultimate baked pasta experience. Aromatic garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning elevate the dish, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick. Oven-baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this crowd-pleasing casserole is garnished with fresh basil for a burst of freshness. Perfect for cozy family dinners or effortless entertaining, this easy-to-make recipe delivers rich, cheesy goodness in every bite. Keywords: mostaccioli baked pasta, creamy sauce, Italian sausage, cheesy casserole, easy dinner recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 ounces mostaccioli pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the mostaccioli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld together.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat it evenly with the sauce.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
739 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.0 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.9 g | 115% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 135 mg | 45% | |
| Sodium | 1509 mg | 66% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.6 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.1 g | ||
| Protein | 34.2 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 471 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 693 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
