Mostaccioli Al Forno
A hearty baked pasta dish combining spinach, ricotta, and cheeses with a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and cheese lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 10 oz chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 3 eggs, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 4 oz shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 oz mostaccioli ⓘ
- 30 oz jar of tomato sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, eggs, grated Parmesan, 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the mostaccioli according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the spinach and cheese mixture.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer the pasta mixture over the sauce, then top with remaining sauce and 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cheese mixture. If you want to make this dish gluten-free, substitute the mostaccioli with a gluten-free pasta. You can also add in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor. Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out the spinach to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup for a cozy dinner. For a vegetarian twist, consider browsing more vegetarian recipes to complement the flavors in this dish. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh basil on top before serving adds a lovely touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Mostaccioli Al Forno can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for a few minutes until heated, but the oven method helps maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mostaccioli Al Forno contains roughly 454 calories, with 20g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (44% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1897mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
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 make Mostaccioli Al Forno ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese blended until smooth or even cream cheese for a richer flavor. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning as needed since cream cheese can be saltier.
Can I freeze Mostaccioli Al Forno?
Yes, this dish freezes well. To freeze, cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and bake until bubbly.
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).