American Beauty
American Beauty Mostaccioli Pasta
What it is
American Beauty Mostaccioli is a type of dry pasta shaped like short, ridged tubes. The ridges are designed to hold onto sauces, making it a good choice for dishes with chunky or creamy textures. This pasta is made from durum wheat semolina, a common ingredient for pasta that provides a firm texture when cooked.
How people cook with it
Mostaccioli is a versatile pasta shape that works well in many baked dishes and pasta salads.
- Baked pasta casseroles
- Hearty pasta salads
- With thick meat sauces
- In comforting baked dishes
To cook mostaccioli, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta well and then toss it with your favorite sauce or incorporate it into a baked dish. The ridged surface helps to capture and distribute sauces evenly throughout the pasta.
How it differs from similar foods
Mostaccioli is similar to penne pasta but is typically smooth on the outside and cut straight across, whereas penne often has angled ends and can be ridged or smooth. Its tube shape and ridges make it excellent for trapping sauces, especially thicker ones.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a reliable pasta shape for everyday meals and family dinners will find mostaccioli a useful addition to their pantry.
How to keep the rest
Store uncooked mostaccioli in a cool, dry place in its original packaging or an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last for a long time, maintaining its quality for future meals.