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.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne, rigatoni, rotini, or elbow pasta
- Salt, to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings
- 20–25 slices pepperoni
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Red pepper flakes, optional
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: pizza pasta bake, baked pasta, cheesy pasta, pepperoni pasta, comfort food, Italian pasta bake
