Description
A hearty and comforting pizza pasta bake loaded with rich sauce, melted cheese, and classic pizza toppings. This easy oven-baked dish combines the bold flavors of pizza with the cozy satisfaction of baked pasta.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/3 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce mixture, stirring until evenly coated.
- Fold in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese along with pepperoni, sausage, and vegetables.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Arrange additional pepperoni or toppings on top if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy while baking.
- Customize toppings just like your favorite pizza.
- Make ahead by assembling up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerating before baking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
