Mostaccioli Marinara with Basil

Elevate your pasta night with this flavorful Mostaccioli Marinara with Basil—a comforting Italian-inspired dish that's both simple and sophisticated. This recipe combines tender, al dente mostaccioli pasta with a rich, homemade marinara sauce bursting with layers of flavor from crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and sautéed onions. A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while dried oregano and basil lend a perfectly seasoned, herbaceous note. Freshly chopped basil adds a vibrant finish, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese offers an optional indulgence. Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner or an elegant option for entertaining. Serve it warm with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 16 oz Mostaccioli pasta
• 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 28 oz Crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 0.5 cup Water
• 1 tsp Granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Dried basil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.5 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add mostaccioli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

Pour the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste into the skillet, stirring to combine.

Step 5

Add the water, granulated sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the fresh chopped basil and remove from heat.

Step 8

Toss the cooked mostaccioli pasta with the marinara sauce until evenly coated.

Step 9

Serve the pasta warm, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1841.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1764.3

Total Fat 68.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 94.8mg	0%
Sodium 4267.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 213.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.2g	0%
Total Sugars 42.9g
Protein 84.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1682.8mg	0%
Iron 17.8mg	0%
Potassium 2830.1mg	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: 34.0%

Protein: 18.7%

Carbs: 47.3%