Description
Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish that combines tender pasta with a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe is simple yet impressive, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. With layers of flavor and gooey melted cheese, each bite offers an explosion of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz mostaccioli pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the mostaccioli pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Gently fold the cooked pasta into the sauce mixture until thoroughly coated.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining pasta and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg