Creamy

Baked Mostaccioli With Cream Sauce

Name: Baked Mostaccioli With Cream Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz (340g) mostaccioli pasta; 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter; 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream; 1 cup (115g) grated mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup (55g) grated parmesan cheese; 1 tsp (5g) dried basil; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsley

By Liana Underhill · June 19, 2026 · Creamy

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves6

As a home cook, there's nothing quite like a warm, comforting pasta dish to bring everyone together. For me, Baked Mostaccioli With Cream Sauce is more than just a recipe - it's a family tradition that never fails to put smiles on faces. I learned how to make it from my grandmother, who would spend hours in the kitchen perfecting the cream sauce and baking it to a golden, bubbly perfection.

What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can make it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even a potluck. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment. In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of creating a rich, creamy sauce and baking it to perfection with mostaccioli pasta.

The key to a great Baked Mostaccioli With Cream Sauce is in the details. From the type of pasta you use to the way you prepare the cream sauce, every step counts. That's why I'm excited to share my tips and tricks with you, so you can create a dish that's not only delicious but also memorable.

So, what makes this recipe special? For starters, it's a classic Italian-American dish that's been passed down through generations. The combination of creamy sauce, al dente pasta, and melted mozzarella cheese is a match made in heaven. Plus, it's a great way to feed a crowd, as it serves 6-8 people and can be easily scaled up or down depending on your needs.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create a comforting, satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite. So, let's get started and dive into the world of Baked Mostaccioli With Cream Sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal kitchen equipment.
It's a comforting, satisfying meal that's perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
The cream sauce is rich and velvety, coating the pasta perfectly.
It's a great way to feed a crowd, serving 6-8 people with ease.
The recipe is versatile and can be scaled up or down depending on your needs.
It's a classic Italian-American dish that's sure to become a family favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to a great Baked Mostaccioli With Cream Sauce lies in the way the cream sauce is prepared. By using a combination of butter, flour, and heavy cream, we create a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. The key is to cook the sauce slowly, whisking constantly, until it thickens and develops a smooth, creamy texture.

Another important factor is the type of pasta used. Mostaccioli is a tubular pasta that holds onto the sauce beautifully, making each bite a satisfying, cheesy experience. By baking the pasta in the cream sauce, we allow the flavors to meld together, creating a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts.

The baking process is also crucial, as it helps to create a golden, bubbly crust on top of the pasta. This is achieved by using a combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, which melt and brown beautifully in the oven. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to create a Baked Mostaccioli With Cream Sauce that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including mostaccioli pasta, heavy cream, butter, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. The key is to use high-quality ingredients, as they'll make a big difference in the final dish. In the following list, you'll find the exact quantities and notes on each ingredient, so you can create a Baked Mostaccioli With Cream Sauce that's truly delicious.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose the freshest and best-quality items you can find. This will ensure that your dish turns out flavorful and satisfying. Also, keep in mind that you can always substitute ingredients if you need to, so don't be afraid to get creative and make the recipe your own.

12 oz (340g) mostaccioli pastaMostaccioli is a tubular pasta that holds onto the sauce beautifully, making each bite a satisfying, cheesy experience. You can find it in most supermarkets or Italian specialty stores.
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butterUnsalted butter is essential for this recipe, as it allows you to control the amount of salt in the dish. You can also use salted butter if you prefer, but be sure to adjust the amount of salt you add accordingly.
1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flourAll-purpose flour is a staple in most kitchens, and it's essential for thickening the cream sauce. Make sure to whisk the flour into the butter slowly, to avoid lumps.
1 cup (240ml) heavy creamHeavy cream is the key to a rich, velvety sauce. You can also use half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer, but keep in mind that the sauce may not be as creamy.
1 cup (115g) grated mozzarella cheeseMozzarella cheese is a must for this recipe, as it melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the dish. You can use fresh or dried mozzarella, depending on your preference.
1/2 cup (55g) grated parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish, and it's essential for balancing out the sweetness of the cream sauce. You can use fresh or dried parmesan, depending on your preference.
1 tsp (5g) dried basilDried basil is a convenient and flavorful herb that adds depth to the sauce. You can also use fresh basil if you prefer, but be sure to chop it finely before adding it to the sauce.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoDried oregano is another essential herb that adds a pungent, earthy flavor to the sauce. You can also use fresh oregano if you prefer, but be sure to chop it finely before adding it to the sauce.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt is essential for bringing out the flavors in the dish, and it's especially important for balancing out the sweetness of the cream sauce. Use a high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, for the best flavor.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper is a must for any Italian dish, and it adds a subtle kick to the sauce. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley is a beautiful garnish that adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish. You can use curly or flat-leaf parsley, depending on your preference.

Ingredients for Baked Mostaccioli With Cream Sauce

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panMedium saucepanInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or silicone spatula9x13-inch baking dishOven

How to Make Baked Mostaccioli With Cream Sauce

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and make sure you have a rack in the middle of the oven.
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the mostaccioli pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the mostaccioli.
3
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture is lightly golden and has a nutty aroma.
4
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the mozzarella and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano.
6
In a large skillet or sauté pan, combine the cooked mostaccioli pasta, cream sauce, and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
7
Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish and top with additional mozzarella cheese if desired.
8
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
9
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is heated through.
10
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
11
To check for doneness, insert a fork into the pasta and twist it gently. If the pasta is al dente, it should have a bit of resistance in the center. If it's overcooked, it will be mushy and unappetizing.
12
Serve the Baked Mostaccioli With Cream Sauce hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh mozzarella and parmesan cheese, for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Aim for an al dente texture, which should have a bit of resistance in the center.
If you're using dried herbs, be sure to crush them between your fingers before adding them to the sauce. This will help release their flavor and aroma.
To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, add a bit of pasta water to the saucepan as you're whisking in the cream. This will help maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
Use a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta, to create a rich and creamy sauce.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile. For example, you could add a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give the sauce a bit of heat.
To make the dish more substantial, add some cooked ground beef or sausage to the sauce. This will add protein and flavor to the dish.
Use a high-quality tomato sauce, such as San Marzano, to add depth and richness to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not using enough sauce, which can result in a dry and flavorless dish.
Not whisking the sauce constantly, which can create lumps and an uneven texture.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and overall quality of the dish.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can cause the sauce to be too runny and the pasta to be overcooked.
Not using the right type of cheese, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some cooked ground beef or sausage to the sauce for added protein and flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as ricotta or provolone, to create a unique flavor profile.
Add some steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or spinach, to the dish for added nutrition and flavor.
Use a variety of herbs and spices, such as basil or oregano, to create a unique flavor profile.
Add some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
Use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, to create a unique texture and flavor profile.
Add some toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh parsley to the dish for added texture and flavor.

What to Serve With Baked Mostaccioli With Cream Sauce

Baked Mostaccioli With Cream Sauce is a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can serve it on its own or with a side of garlic bread or a green salad. The dish is also great for potlucks or parties, as it's easy to transport and can be served hot or cold.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include adding some steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or spinach, to the plate for added nutrition and flavor. You could also serve it with a side of roasted chicken or sausage for added protein and flavor. Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll love this dish and make it again and again!

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled chicken or sausageSauteed spinach or broccoliToasted pine nuts or chopped fresh parsley

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Baked Mostaccioli With Cream Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake the dish in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.

When storing the dish, make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out. You can also freeze individual portions of the dish for a quick and easy meal. Simply thaw the frozen portion overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

It's also important to note that the dish can be made in advance and refrigerated or frozen, making it a great option for meal prep or planning ahead. Simply assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate or freeze until you're ready to bake and serve.

In addition to storing the dish, you can also store the sauce and pasta separately for added convenience. Simply store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce and pasta ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Simply assemble the dish and bake when you're ready to serve.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese, such as ricotta or provolone, to create a unique flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the amount of cheese according to your taste preferences.

Can I add meat to the dish?

Yes, you can add cooked ground beef or sausage to the sauce for added protein and flavor. Simply cook the meat according to your preference and add it to the sauce before baking.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this dish in a slow cooker. Simply assemble the dish and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Can I freeze the dish?

Yes, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze. When you're ready to serve, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Can I make this dish for a crowd?

Yes, you can make this dish for a crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients according to the number of people you're serving and bake in a larger dish. You can also make individual portions of the dish for a more intimate gathering.

Can I use leftover pasta?

Yes, you can use leftover pasta to make this dish. Simply cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then toss it with the sauce and cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

The Full Recipe

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