Print

Easy Pizza Pasta Bake

Close-up of a bubbling, baked pizza pasta casserole with melted cheese and pepperoni slices.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this simple, cheesy baked pasta dish that combines classic pizza flavors with a comforting casserole format. This recipe is suitable for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess grease.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, if using. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  6. Add the cooked, drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce mixture. Stir well to coat.
  7. Stir in 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese into the pasta mixture.
  8. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and the mini pepperoni slices.
  9. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
  10. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef or ground turkey for the Italian sausage.
  • For a one-pot version, cook the pasta directly in the sauce mixture, adding the required water, and simmer until the pasta is tender, stirring often to prevent sticking.
  • This dish freezes well after baking; cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until hot throughout.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdreams.com/pizza-pasta-bake-casserole/