Baked Mostaccioli Primavera

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Craving a hearty yet wholesome pasta dish? This Baked Mostaccioli Primavera recipe combines perfectly cooked pasta with vibrant, sautéed vegetables and gooey melted cheese — making it a crowd-pleasing meal for any occasion. Loaded with fresh ingredients and aromatic Italian seasonings, it’s a perfect fusion of flavor, nutrition, and comfort. Whether for a family dinner or meal prep, this easy baked pasta guarantees satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutrient-packed: Fresh vegetables add vitamins and fiber.

• Family-friendly: Mild Italian flavors appeal to all ages.

• One-dish convenience: Easy cleanup with a single baking dish.

• Customizable: Swap or add your favorite veggies and cheeses.

• Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better reheated the next day.

Ingredients Breakdown:

• 1 pound mostaccioli pasta – The sturdy, tube-shaped pasta holds sauce and veggies perfectly, making each bite flavorful.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used to sauté vegetables, adding a fruity richness.

• 1 small onion, chopped – Adds natural sweetness and depth to the vegetable medley.

• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the dish with fragrant, savory notes.

• 1 red bell pepper & 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped – Provide vibrant color, sweetness, and crunch.

• 1 zucchini, chopped – Adds mild, fresh flavor and tender texture.

• 1 cup broccoli florets – Brings a slightly earthy taste and hearty bite.

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Add juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity.

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that ties the vegetable flavors together with classic Italian flair.

• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.

• 2 cups marinara sauce – A tangy tomato base that coats the pasta and veggies.

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts into a gooey, creamy topping.

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty finish.

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped – Provides a fragrant, fresh herbal garnish to brighten the dish.

Tips and Tricks

• Pasta doneness: Slightly undercook the pasta to prevent mushiness after baking.

• Vegetable variations: Use seasonal veggies like asparagus, spinach, or mushrooms.

• Cheese options: Mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for extra creaminess.

• Make it vegan: Substitute cheese with vegan alternatives and use plant-based marinara.

• Meal prep: Prepare ahead and refrigerate before baking; add 5 extra minutes to baking time if baking cold.

Variations and Customizations

• Add protein: Incorporate cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.

• Spicy kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for heat.

• Creamy twist: Stir in ricotta cheese or a splash of heavy cream before baking for richness.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

• A glass of light  such as Pinot Noir complements the tomato and cheese flavors.

• For a lighter side, try a lemon vinaigrette arugula salad to balance the richness.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave until heated through.

Popular Questions

Q: Can I use other pasta types?
A: Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well as substitutes.

Q: How can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Use vegan cheese alternatives and ensure your marinara sauce contains no animal products.

Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
A: Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking. Bake when ready to serve.

Baked Mostaccioli Primavera

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Baked Mostaccioli Primavera – A colorful, veggie-loaded pasta bake! Tender mostaccioli mingles with bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes in marinara sauce, then gets baked under a blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Comfort food meets fresh flavors in this hearty, wholesome dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound mostaccioli pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

• 1 zucchini, chopped

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.

2. Cook the Pasta
   Boil the mostaccioli in salted water until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   • Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

   • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

   • Add diced red and yellow bell peppers, chopped zucchini, and broccoli florets. Sauté for 7-10 minutes until tender.

4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

   • Toss in halved cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

   • Cook for another 2 minutes to blend flavors.

5. Combine Pasta and Vegetables

   • In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the sautéed veggies.

   • Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well to coat everything evenly.

6. Assemble and Bake

   • Transfer the pasta-vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

   • Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Garnish and Serve
   Remove from oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped basil before serving.

Notes

• For the best flavor, use fresh herbs and quality marinara sauce.

• Adjust seasoning to your taste, especially if using store-bought sauce that may already be salted.

• This recipe scales easily for larger gatherings—just increase ingredient quantities accordingly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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