Mostaccioli (Macaroni And Cheese)
Creamy and flavorful Mostaccioli (Macaroni and Cheese) with tomato sauce, Parmesan, Ricotta, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mostaccioli ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 pound Ricotta cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook mostaccioli according to package directions.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic; cook until golden.
- Add tomato paste, water, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar; stir well.
- Cover and cook the sauce for about 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a 2-quart casserole dish, spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom.
- Sprinkle with one-third of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Layer half of the cooked mostaccioli, Ricotta cheese, sauce, and remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or milk to the sauce. If you want to lighten the dish, you could substitute half of the Ricotta cheese with cottage cheese. For added flavor, try incorporating sautéed mushrooms or spinach, which are great in many Italian recipes. Ensure the mostaccioli is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
Serving Suggestions
This mostaccioli pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light Italian red wine can enhance the flavors perfectly. For extra flair, you can top it with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little heat. It also makes a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can add a splash of water or milk before reheating to keep the dish moist. It also freezes well for up to 2 months; just ensure it's tightly sealed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mostaccioli (Macaroni And Cheese) contains roughly 687 calories, with 16g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (177% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (135% of the Daily Value), and calcium (108% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1537mg per serving (67% 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, while mostaccioli is traditional for this dish, you can substitute it with penne or ziti if desired. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose. The key is to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, so it holds up well during baking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight out of the fridge, ensuring it's heated through.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or even a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that cheese choices will alter the overall taste of the dish, so choose according to your preference.
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).