Italian sausage, & cheese mostaccioli
🍝✨ Italian Sausage & Cheese Mostaccioli
The coziest baked pasta full of flavor, cheese, and love!
(Side note I added extra cheese 😂❤️)
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🍅 Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake:
• 1 lb mostaccioli (or penne)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or tomato basil sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp oregano
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish 🌿)
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🍽️ Directions
1. Boil Pasta:
Cook mostaccioli in salted water until just al dente. Drain & set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage. Add onion & garlic; cook until soft.
3. Sauce It Up:
Pour in marinara + tomato sauce, add seasoning, and simmer 5–10 minutes.
4. Mix the Cheese Layer:
In a bowl, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan.
5. Assemble:
• add noodles and cheese with sauce and turn heat to a medium flame and let simmer for 10/15 mins
(if you cannot put your pan in the oven)
6. Bake: if your pan can get go into the oven
Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 15–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden 🧀✨
7. Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley. Let rest 5 minutes before digging in!