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Easy Pizza Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Casserole

A close-up serving of pizza pasta bake topped with melted mozzarella and pepperoni slices on a white plate.
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You will love this easy pizza pasta bake, a family favorite that tastes just like your favorite pepperoni pizza in casserole form. It is simple to prepare for busy weeknights and appeals to picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
  • 1 medium 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 or chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated 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 rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage or ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet 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, red pepper flakes (if using), and water or broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked pasta, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and the Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined.
  7. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and the pepperoni slices.
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  9. Let the pizza pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before you serve it.

Notes

  • You can make this a make ahead pasta casserole by assembling the dish completely, covering it, and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
  • For a freezer friendly meals option, assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
  • This recipe works well with other pizza toppings like cooked mushrooms or green peppers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/pizza-pasta-bake/

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