Discover how to make authentic Mostaccioli pasta with a rich tomato sauce. Easy to prepare, perfect for comforting family dinners. Try this recipe today!
Why You’ll Love It
Mostaccioli pasta is a hearty, comforting Italian dish that brings rich tomato flavors together with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to impress guests. Made with fresh ingredients and classic seasonings, it’s a meal the whole family will enjoy. This recipe is versatile, easy to customize, and perfect for pairing with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.
Ingredients
- 1 pound mostaccioli pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (substitute shallots if preferred)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (use fresh tomatoes in season)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the mostaccioli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add the cooked mostaccioli pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
For more easy pasta recipes, check out our collection of easy pasta dishes or try some easy weeknight dinners perfect for busy families. You can also explore Food Network for additional authentic Italian recipes.
Expert Tips
To get the best results, cook the pasta just until al dente; it should have a little bite but not be hard. The sauce thickens as it simmers, so if it becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it. For an even richer flavor, sauté the onion and garlic slowly to caramelize and deepen the aroma. Leftovers reheat well and can be refreshed with a little olive oil or sauce.
Storage
Store leftover Mostaccioli pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or microwave.
Variations
- Vegan: Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Dairy-Free: Omit cheese or try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Add Protein: Incorporate cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or sautéed mushrooms.
FAQ
- What is Mostaccioli pasta? Mostaccioli is a tubular pasta shaped similarly to penne, perfect for holding sauces in its ridges.
- Can I make Mostaccioli ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and cook the pasta fresh to ensure texture.
- Is Mostaccioli gluten-free? Traditional mostaccioli is made with wheat, but gluten-free pasta versions are widely available.
- How do I reheat Mostaccioli pasta? Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or sauce to avoid drying.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, Mostaccioli pasta freezes well if stored properly.
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