If you’re craving all the delightful flavors of your favorite pizza but in a cozy, comforting pasta form, this Pizza Pasta Bake is going to blow you away. Imagine tender pasta enveloped in rich pizza sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and just the right sprinkle of herbs and spices. This dish combines the best of both worlds with ease and creates a crowd-pleasing meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Trust me, this Pizza Pasta Bake will become your go-to comfort food for weeknights or whenever you’re hungry for a pizza-inspired feast without the hassle of ordering in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the ingredient list overwhelm you—everything here is straightforward, easy to find, and plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and beautiful color in the final dish.

Pasta (12 oz): Choose penne, rigatoni, rotini, or elbow pasta for perfect sauce-holding shapes.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and balancing the sauce flavors.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps soften the onions.
Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Provides a sweet, aromatic base for the sauce.
Garlic (2–3 cloves, minced): Lifts the flavor with its fragrant, savory punch.
Pizza sauce (2 cups): The heart of the dish; use your favorite brand or homemade marinara.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with classic herb notes like oregano and basil.
Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing and balancing the overall flavor.
Mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups shredded): Creamy and melty, key for that irresistible cheese pull.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup grated): Adds a nutty, sharp kick and golden top crust.
Pepperoni (20–25 slices): The signature pizza topping that brings a spicy, meaty touch.
Bell peppers (½ cup, chopped): For a burst of fresh crunch and vibrant color.
Black olives (¼ cup, sliced): Introduce a briny contrast that complements the rich cheese.
Fresh basil or parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brightens the bake at the end with herbal freshness.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, for those who love an extra kick of heat.

How to Make Pizza Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook it just shy of al dente—about 2 minutes less than the package suggests. This is important because the pasta will finish cooking in the oven with the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors. Once cooked, drain it well and set aside to prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onion until it’s nicely softened and translucent, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more to release its aroma without burning. Pour in your pizza sauce and stir in the Italian seasoning. Season this mixture with salt and pepper, then let it simmer gently for five minutes. This melding step brings the sauce to life with that classic, homemade pizza flavor.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Transfer the drained pasta into the skillet with your simmered sauce. Toss everything together until every single piece of pasta is generously coated in that rich, herby sauce. If your skillet feels cramped, a large mixing bowl works just as well for this step. This mixture is the foundation of your bake, guaranteeing each bite is bursting with pizza-inspired goodness.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza Pasta Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the dish, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over it. Layer on some pepperoni slices and scatter any other toppings like chopped bell peppers or black olives. Add the remaining pasta on top, followed by the rest of your shredded cheeses. Decorate the surface by topping with more pepperoni and veggies, just like you’re crafting a totally fun pizza pan.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden blanket that smells heavenly. If you want that extra bit of browning on top, broil it for 2 to 3 minutes at the end, but watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn. Once done, remove your Pizza Pasta Bake and let it rest for 5 minutes to set nicely.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped basil or parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. These final touches add a fresh, herbaceous pop and an inviting aroma that will make everyone eager to dive in. Serve your Pizza Pasta Bake hot, and prepare for compliments all around!

How to Serve Pizza Pasta Bake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top not only looks stunning but brings an herbal brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dusting of chili flakes adds a pleasant heat that wakes up the palate.

Side Dishes

This dish is fantastic on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crispy garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce and a crisp green salad for refreshing contrast. The combination creates a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Pizza Pasta Bake in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—each guest gets their own bubbly, cheesy personal pizza-pasta treat. It’s perfect for dinner parties or a cozy family night with that homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is totally possible, but unlikely), cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers. Your Pizza Pasta Bake will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great option for next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream. Just assemble and bake the dish as directed, then let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that perfect texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese melts again, usually about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but a quick oven reheat keeps the texture just right and the top crispy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for the Pizza Pasta Bake?

Absolutely! While penne, rigatoni, rotini, and elbow pasta hold the sauce beautifully, feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shapes. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to handle baking without becoming mushy.

What if I don’t have pizza sauce—can I use marinara instead?

Yes, marinara is a great substitute. Just add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or your favorite herbs to enhance the flavor and make it taste more like traditional pizza sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the pepperoni and load up on veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and onions. You can also add some spinach or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and nutrition.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly once assembled but not baked?

You can prepare and assemble the pizza pasta bake ahead of time without baking, wrap it well, and freeze. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?

The base recipe is mild, but the red pepper flakes add optional heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili flakes, or include spicy pepperoni for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

This Pizza Pasta Bake is one of those magical recipes that brings together the best of two beloved dishes into one comforting, flavorful meal. It’s straightforward, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. I hope you get a chance to try it soon—you might just find yourself making it time and time again because it’s that good!

Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 20 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This Pizza Pasta Bake is a delicious fusion of classic pizza flavors with hearty pasta, baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. Featuring a flavorful tomato-based pizza sauce, layers of tender pasta, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and zesty pepperoni slices, this comforting casserole makes a perfect dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate, so it’s slightly undercooked and will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the pizza sauce and stir well. If using marinara sauce, add Italian seasoning to mimic pizza flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Combine pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir until all the pasta is evenly coated. If the skillet is too small, transfer everything to a large mixing bowl and combine.
Assemble the bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the saucy pasta evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Distribute some pepperoni slices and a portion of chopped bell peppers and black olives on top. Add the remaining pasta layer followed by the rest of the cheese. Decorate the top with more pepperoni, peppers, and olives to resemble a pizza.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. For a nice browned finish, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot, alongside garlic bread or a fresh green salad, or enjoy as a comforting main dish on its own.

Notes

Use your favorite pasta shape; shorter pasta like penne or rotini works best to hold the sauce.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños.
Make sure to slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
Feel free to customize toppings based on your favorite pizza ingredients.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American