Mostaccioli Bake with Italian Sausage, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe

If there is one dish that wraps you in a warm, comforting hug on a plate, it’s this Mostaccioli Bake with Italian Sausage, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe. Imagine tender mostaccioli pasta perfectly coated with a savory blend of Italian sausage and rich marinara sauce, layered lovingly with creamy ricotta and bubbling mozzarella that melts into golden, cheesy perfection. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and heartiness that feel like a celebration of simple Italian home cooking. Whether you’re cooking for your family or sharing with friends, this bake promises to become a favorite in your recipe collection, showcasing how a few wonderful ingredients can come together to create something truly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color that make this Mostaccioli Bake with Italian Sausage, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe so memorable. From the aromatic Italian sausage to the creamy ricotta, every component is essential.

• 1 lb. mostaccioli pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the sauce and cheese in every bite.
• 1 lb. Italian sausage: Adds a bold, savory flavor with a touch of spice that brings the dish to life.
• ½ cup diced onion: Provides sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and classic Italian flair.
• 24 oz. marinara sauce (1 jar): The tomato base that ties all the flavors together with its rich, tangy essence.
• 15 oz. ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, adding lusciousness and balance.
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten): Acts as a binder for the ricotta cheese layer, giving it structure.
• ½ tsp oregano (or Italian seasoning): Adds herbal notes that brighten the dish.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Melts beautifully to provide gooey, cheesy bliss.
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (divided): Delivering a salty, nutty finish both inside and on top.
• Freshly chopped parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten up the bake before serving.

How to Make Mostaccioli Bake with Italian Sausage, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your cheese-loaded masterpiece won’t stick when it’s time to dig in. Setting this foundation early makes putting everything together so much smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the mostaccioli until just al dente according to the package instructions. Then drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process. Returning the pasta to the pot keeps it ready to marry perfectly with the delicious sauce you’re about to make.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage, Onion, and Garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the Italian sausage, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook them until the sausage is no longer pink and the onions turn translucent. This step is where the magic begins — the savory flavor foundation that will carry the entire dish.

Step 4: Add the Marinara Sauce

Pour your jar of marinara sauce into the skillet and stir everything together, allowing it to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes. This lets those flavors meld and intensify. The aroma at this point alone will make your kitchen feel like your favorite Italian trattoria.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce

Pour the meat sauce over the cooked pasta in the pot and toss to combine thoroughly. This ensures every piece of mostaccioli is saturated with that savory, tomato goodness.

Step 6: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten egg, ricotta cheese, oregano, 1 cup of mozzarella, and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. This creamy layer adds a luscious texture and rich flavor that contrasts beautifully with the hearty meat sauce.

Step 7: Assemble the Bake

Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Then carefully spread the ricotta mixture on top to create a cheesy, fluffy middle layer. Finally, add the remaining pasta mixture, giving the bake delightful layers that make each forkful more exciting than the last.

Step 8: Top with Remaining Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This final shower of cheese will melt and brown perfectly, giving you that coveted bubbling, golden crust that makes baked pasta irresistible.

Step 9: Bake Covered

Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt deep into the dish without drying out.

Step 10: Finish Baking Uncovered

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step lets the cheese on top brown beautifully, adding a delightful crispness that contrasts the creamy melted layers beneath. Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that extra touch of color and flavor.

How to Serve Mostaccioli Bake with Italian Sausage, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of bright green color and a touch of freshness that cuts through the rich cheese and meat sauce perfectly. A final dusting of extra Parmesan cheese adds an inviting salty note and a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This Mostaccioli Bake with Italian Sausage, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to provide contrast and balance. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce and cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this bake in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at a dinner party. Alternatively, top each portion with a grilled vegetable skewer or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added texture and flair. Presentation can make a favorite dish even more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mostaccioli Bake with Italian Sausage, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe stores perfectly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld, making the next-day meal just as delightful.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Assemble the bake in a freezer-safe container but don’t bake it first. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a little extra time if needed. Freezing is a great option for making dinner plans ahead in a pinch.

Reheating

To reheat, cover tightly with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (around 20 minutes). You can also microwave smaller portions, but reheating slowly in the oven helps preserve the creamy texture and prevents the cheese from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Ground beef is a fine substitute if you prefer a milder flavor. Adding some Italian seasoning can help mimic the seasoning of Italian sausage for that classic taste.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

Yes, you can replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a delicious vegetable-packed version. Using a tomato basil sauce will complement the ricotta and mozzarella beautifully.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Mostaccioli works best because of its hollow shape that holds sauce well, but penne or ziti are excellent alternatives that will work just as nicely in this bake.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on the type of Italian sausage used. Mild sausage keeps it approachable for all palates, while spicy sausage adds a zesty kick. You can adjust according to your preference.

What’s the best ricotta cheese to use?

Whole milk ricotta cheese offers the creamiest texture and richest flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade ricotta depending on your time and preference — both work wonderfully in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Mostaccioli Bake with Italian Sausage, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm celebration every time you serve it. With its layers of savory sausage, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, savor, and enjoy moments around the table. Give it a go — you might just find your next weeknight favorite.

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