Italian Sausage With Mostaccioli
A hearty Italian sausage and pasta dish featuring flavorful sausage, bell peppers, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, brown the Italian sausage; pour off excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, basil, and Italian seasoning to the sausage.
- Stir until the vegetables are tender.
- Add spaghetti sauce and Parmesan cheese; bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the mostaccioli according to package instructions.
- Toss the cooked mostaccioli with olive oil.
- Serve the cooked pasta topped with the sausage and sauce mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture. If you want a lighter version, substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken. You can also replace mostaccioli with penne or rigatoni if needed. Fresh basil can enhance the dish, but dried basil works fine too. Look for a good quality spaghetti sauce that suits your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice finishing touch. This recipe pairs beautifully with Italian Sausage In Tomato Sauce for a flavorful Italian-inspired dinner. Consider a nice red wine to complement the flavors of the sausage and sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta and sauce mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent sticking. Microwave reheating is also an option, but be sure to cover the dish to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Sausage With Mostaccioli contains roughly 92 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute mostaccioli with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta you choose.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, include red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables or opt for spicy Italian sausage instead of the mild version. You can also stir in a bit of hot sauce at the end for an extra kick.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage and sauce mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just cook the mostaccioli fresh before serving to ensure the pasta remains al dente.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).