Heart-Healthy Baked Mostaccioli

Indulge in a comforting yet nutritious twist on a classic Italian dish with this Heart-Healthy Baked Mostaccioli. This wholesome recipe features whole grain mostaccioli pasta paired with lean ground turkey and colorful, nutrient-packed vegetables like zucchini and red bell pepper. A rich, no-salt-added tomato sauce infused with Italian seasoning and a touch of crushed red pepper brings bold flavors to every bite. Topped with gooey, low-fat mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil, this baked pasta dish is a satisfying meal that’s light on sodium and packed with heart-friendly ingredients. Ready in just an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, offering six generous servings of health-conscious comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Whole grain mostaccioli pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 pound Lean ground turkey
• 1 medium Onion, diced
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large Red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium Zucchini, diced
• 14.5 ounces Diced tomatoes, no-salt-added
• 15 ounces Tomato sauce, no-salt-added
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup Low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Cook the whole grain mostaccioli pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it starts to become translucent.

Step 4

Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the diced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 7

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and the cooked pasta.

Step 10

Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Step 13

Garnish with fresh basil before serving for added flavor and color.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2325.6 grams (2325.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2672

Total Fat 89.90g	115%
Saturated Fat 26.70g	134%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 384mg	128%
Sodium 2290mg	100%
Total Carbohydrate 323.70g	118%
Dietary Fiber 39.90g	143%
Total Sugars 50.60g
Protein 176.90g	354%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1369mg	105%
Iron 28mg	157%
Potassium 4594mg	98%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.8%

Protein: 25.2%

Carbs: 46.1%