Recipe Details

Baked Mostaccioli

Main Dishes
Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. 

    extra-virgin olive oil 

  • 1 lb. 

    sweet italian sausage, remove from casing 

  • 2 

    cloves garlic, minced 

  • 1/8 tsp. 

    crushed red pepper flakes 

  • 1 

    (28-oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes, pulsed in a blender 

  • 1 

    sprig of fresh basil, plus more chopped for garnish 

  • Kosher salt 

  • Freshly ground black pepper 

  • 8 oz. 

    Penne pasta  

  • 1 

    large egg 

  • 1 c. 

    ricotta 

  • 1/2 c. 

    freshly grated Parmesan, divided 

  • 1 1/2 c. 

    shredded mozzarella, divided 

Description

  1. Step 1Preheat oven to 450°. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add sausage and cook, breaking up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until golden, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes to sausage and cook, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  2. Step 2Stir in tomatoes and basil and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally until sauce is thickened slightly, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
  3. Step 3Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions; drain.
  4. Step 4Meanwhile, in a small bowl, lightly beat egg. Stir in ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and ½ cup mozzarella into the egg. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Step 5Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce in a 2-quart baking dish. Arrange penne on top of tomato sauce in an even layer and dollop with ricotta mixture and remaining sauce. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan and remaining 1 cup mozzarella. 
  6. Step 6Bake mostaccioli until top is deeply golden and sauce is bubbling, about 15 minutes. Garnish with basil before serving.