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.
Ingredients
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1 pound mostaccioli pasta
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 yellow bell pepper, diced
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1 zucchini, chopped
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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2 cups marinara sauce
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking. -
Cook the Pasta
Boil the mostaccioli in salted water until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside. -
Sauté the Vegetables
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
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Add diced red and yellow bell peppers, chopped zucchini, and broccoli florets. Sauté for 7-10 minutes until tender.
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Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
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Toss in halved cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Cook for another 2 minutes to blend flavors.
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Combine Pasta and Vegetables
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In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the sautéed veggies.
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Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well to coat everything evenly.
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Assemble and Bake
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Transfer the pasta-vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
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Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped basil before serving.
Notes
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For the best flavor, use fresh herbs and quality marinara sauce.
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Adjust seasoning to your taste, especially if using store-bought sauce that may already be salted.
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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