Print

Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Pasta Casserole: 45-Min Family Favorite Bake

A close-up of a serving of cheesy pizza pasta bake topped with melted mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and herbs.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Stop ordering takeout! Reclaim your weeknights with this Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Pasta Casserole. It is faster than delivery, packed with savory sauce, and mountains of melty mozzarella. This recipe delivers pure, satisfying comfort straight from your oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups water or broth
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until it is slightly underdone (al dente). Drain the pasta well.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat, if using, and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  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, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta is coated.
  7. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese over the top. Arrange the sliced pepperoni evenly over the cheese layer.
  8. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Let the pizza pasta casserole rest for 5 minutes before you serve it.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms or bell peppers when cooking the onions.
  • You can prepare this entire casserole, cover it, and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking from cold.
  • Serve this comfort food pasta bake with a side salad or garlic bread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/ultimate-cheesy-pizza-pasta-bake-45-min/

0 Shares
Tweet
Pin
Share