Mostaccioli And Sausage
A hearty Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring savory sausage, tender mostaccioli, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook Creamette mostaccioli according to package directions. Drain.
- In a large saucepan, brown sliced Italian sausage.
- Pour off excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the sausage.
- Cook and stir until vegetables are tender.
- Add pasta sauce and grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toss hot cooked mostaccioli with olive oil.
- Serve the sauce over the pasta.
- Garnish as desired and refrigerate leftovers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting turkey sausage for a leaner option or using whole wheat mostaccioli for added fiber. If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Fresh basil or oregano can elevate the flavor profile. Ensure you cook the onions and peppers until they are soft, which helps release their natural sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the mostaccioli and sausage with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese on top can enhance presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Gilda'S Italian Omelet(Frittata) for a larger gathering or family-style dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until hot, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mostaccioli And Sausage contains roughly 310 calories, with 23g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 614mg per serving (27% 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 use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute mostaccioli with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rigatoni. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose. Short pasta shapes will hold the sauce well and provide a great texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and additional vegetables to create a hearty vegetarian version. This will still give you a flavorful dish while catering to vegetarian diets.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the mostaccioli and sausage for up to 3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
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).