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.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

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)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat it evenly with the sauce.

Step 8

Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 9

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Step 10

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

Serving size	(2575.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4434.1

Total Fat 289.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 138.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 831.4mg	0%
Sodium 9479.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 221.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.6g	0%
Total Sugars 36.9g
Protein 207.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2861.4mg	0%
Iron 22.5mg	0%
Potassium 3698.1mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.3%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 20.5%