Baked Mostaccioli Recipe
Make Baked Mostaccioli Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta & Sauce
Cheese & Filling
Optional Add-ins
Finishing & Baking
Method
Pasta & Sauce
Preheat oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt.
Add 1 lb mostaccioli and cook until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Warm the 4 cups marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat. If sauce is very thick, stir in 2–4 tablespoons reserved pasta water to reach a saucy consistency.
Cheese & Filling
In a medium bowl combine 1.5 cups ricotta, 2 cups shredded mozzarella (reserve 1/2 cup for topping), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix until smooth and homogenous.
If using optional add-ins (8 oz cooked crumbled sausage or 1 cup sautéed mushrooms), fold them into the cheese mixture now.
Taste a small smear of the cheese mixture and adjust salt/pepper if needed.
Assembling the Bake
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 teaspoon olive oil.
In a very large bowl or the pot used to cook pasta, combine the drained mostaccioli with warmed marinara sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if mixture seems dry.
Fold the cheese mixture into the sauced pasta in 2 additions so the pasta is evenly coated with pockets of cheese. Aim for most pasta to be sauced and cheese distributed, but do not over-stir; some visible cheese pockets are desirable.
Transfer the sauced pasta and cheese into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella and any extra Parmesan evenly over the top.
Baking & Finishing
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–12 minutes until the top is bubbly and cheese is lightly browned.
If you prefer a more browned top, switch the oven to broil and broil 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Remove from oven and let rest 5–8 minutes. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top before serving.