Description
Welcome to this delicious journey into the world of Baked Mostaccioli Primavera, an easy and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknights or gatherings. This baked pasta combines tender mostaccioli with a medley of fresh, sautéed vegetables and a hearty marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a satisfying and flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 pound mostaccioli pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Substitutions:
- For a vegan version, substitute dairy cheese with plant-based mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used instead of traditional mostaccioli.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent.
Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Add the red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli florets. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 7-10 minutes.
Step 6: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 7: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the vegetable mixture. Pour in the marinara sauce and mix until well combined.
Step 8: Transfer the pasta and vegetable mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 10: Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Fresh Vegetables: Always use fresh vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like gouda or fontina for a richer flavor.
- Al Dente Pasta: Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the mostaccioli for your favorite gluten-free pasta if needed.