Description
Savory cheesy baked mostaccioli with sausage combines classic Italian comfort ingredients for a hearty meal. Melted cheese, robust sausage, and zesty marinara create a satisfying dinner perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) mostaccioli pasta
- 1 lb (454 g) ground Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24-28 oz) (680–794 g) marinara sauce
- 2 cups (226 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (226 g) cottage cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), situating the rack centrally for uniform heating.
- Sausage Development: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, thoroughly brown the ground Italian sausage, breaking it into fine crumbles until no pink remains.
- Pasta Cooking: Simultaneously, boil mostaccioli in a large pot until achieving al dente texture, then drain carefully in a colander.
- Sauce Integration: Merge cooked sausage with marinara sauce in the skillet, simmering on low heat to harmonize flavors.
- Cheese Blending: Whisk cottage cheese, eggs, partial mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper into a smooth, uniform mixture.
- Layering Foundation: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, then spread half the sausage-marinara sauce as the initial layer.
- Cheese Distribution: Arrange pasta over the sauce, evenly spreading the cheese mixture across the surface.
- Final Assembly: Add a second pasta layer, pour remaining sauce, and generously sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Initial Baking: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to meld flavors comprehensively.
- Finishing Touch: Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese transforms to a golden, bubbling crust with crisp edges.
- Resting Period: Remove from oven and allow 5-7 minutes of resting to stabilize layers and enhance serving consistency.
Notes
- Prep Like a Pro: Gather and measure all ingredients before starting to ensure smooth cooking flow and minimize kitchen stress.
- Sausage Sizzle Tip: Break ground sausage into tiny crumbles for even cooking and better texture throughout the dish.
- Cheese Blend Magic: Whisk cheese mixture thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy consistency that binds layers perfectly.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the baked mostaccioli to rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking, helping layers set and making cutting and serving much easier.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg