Looking for a comforting and wholesome pasta dish that’s packed with flavor and fresh vegetables? Baked Mostaccioli Primavera is the perfect choice. With a medley of vibrant bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and tomatoes, this dish is a delightful way to enjoy pasta and veggies in one tasty bake. It’s simple to make, yet impressive enough to serve for dinner parties or a cozy family meal
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Packed with Vegetables: A great way to incorporate more veggies into your meal.
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Simple & Quick: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy nights.
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Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the flavorful combination of pasta and veggies.
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Customizable: Add more of your favorite vegetables or protein for variation.
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Cheesy Goodness: Who can resist a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan?
Ingredients Breakdown
Pasta & Sauce:
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Mostaccioli pasta (1 lb): A tubular pasta that holds onto sauce perfectly.
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Marinara sauce (2 cups): The base sauce that brings rich tomato flavor.
Vegetables:
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Olive oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing.
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Onion (1 small, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
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Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fragrant and savory.
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Red & yellow bell peppers (1 each, chopped): Sweet, colorful additions.
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Zucchini (1, chopped): Light and tender texture.
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Broccoli florets (1 cup): Adds crunch and flavor.
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Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Burst of freshness.
Seasonings & Cheese:
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Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Classic herb blend.
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Salt & pepper: To taste.
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Shredded mozzarella (2 cups): For that gooey, melty topping.
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Grated Parmesan (½ cup): Sharp, salty finish.
Garnish:
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Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped): Adds a fresh, aromatic touch.
Tips and Tricks
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Veggie Substitutions: Feel free to swap or add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or eggplant for a unique twist.
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Add Protein: To make this a more filling dish, add grilled chicken, sausage, or ground beef to the veggie mixture.
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Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
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Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Variations and Customizations
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
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Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese options for a vegan or lactose-free version.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta if you need to make this dish gluten-free.
Pairing Suggestions
Baked Mostaccioli Primavera is a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with:
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A Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette would balance the richness of the pasta.
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Garlic Bread: A classic Italian side, perfect for dipping into the marinara sauce.
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Roasted Vegetables: Enhance the vegetable flavor with a side of roasted carrots or green beans.
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze the dish before baking for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding extra time to the cook time.
Popular Questions
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Simply use a plant-based cheese and omit any meat.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Absolutely! Italian sausage, chicken, or ground beef would all work well with this recipe.
