Irresistible Pizza Pasta Bake: A Comforting 30-Minute Meal

There’s something downright magical about a dish that combines the heartiness of pasta and the cheesy goodness of pizza. Picture this: a bubbling, golden crust on top, with layers of rich marinara, zesty pepperoni, and gooey cheese melting into every nook and cranny. Welcome to the world of Pizza Pasta Bake, where comfort food dreams come true. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that can turn any mundane weeknight into a festive occasion. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner recipes recipe.

Now, let me take you back to the first time I made this masterpiece. It was a chilly Friday night when my friends decided to drop by unexpectedly. With barely enough time to whip up an elaborate feast, I rummaged through my pantry, hoping for inspiration. That’s when I stumbled upon leftover pasta and some forgotten pizza toppings hiding in the fridge. A light bulb flickered above my head, and thus began my love affair with Pizza Pasta Bake. Trust me; this flavor explosion is perfect for movie nights or casual gatherings when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

I still remember my friends’ faces lighting up as they took their first bites, followed by playful debates about who could devour the most slices.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use penne or rotini for great sauce adherence; they hold onto flavor like your best friend holds onto gossip.

• Pizza Sauce: Store-bought works wonders here; look for a brand that makes your taste buds dance.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Go for full-fat mozzarella; it melts beautifully and creates that stretch you dream about.

• Pepperoni Slices: Choose your favorite type—spicy or classic—to add that signature pizza flair.

• Bell Peppers: Chop them up for color and crunch; they add freshness amid all that cheesy goodness.

• Onion: Dice finely for sweetness; cooking them until translucent brings out their best flavors.

• Italian Seasoning: Sprinkle liberally; it gives that authentic Italian vibe without needing a plane ticket.

• Olive Oil: A splash helps everything meld together beautifully while adding richness.

• Parmesan Cheese: For topping—because who doesn’t want more cheese?

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Pizza Pasta Bake

Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and add salt before tossing in your pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions; drain and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until soft, about 5 minutes. Enjoy the fragrant aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with sautéed veggies, pepperoni slices, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella cheese until everything is well-coated.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese generously on top along with Parmesan for extra flavor.

Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when you can’t resist those heavenly smells!

This Pizza Pasta Bake is sure to become an instant family favorite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking your pasta until al dente, then layer it with sauce and cheese. This ensures even cooking and a perfect melt.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out traditional pasta for whole grain or gluten-free options, and add your favorite toppings like olives or mushrooms.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for optimal texture.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of that one dinner party where I unveiled my Pizza Pasta Bake. Everyone went back for seconds, and I felt like a culinary rock star!

FAQ

Can I use any type of pasta for Pizza Pasta Bake?

Yes, any pasta shape works well, but shorter shapes hold sauce better.

What can I substitute for marinara sauce?

Alfredo sauce or pesto can provide tasty alternatives to marinara.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply omit meat toppings and load up on veggies like bell peppers and spinach.

Print

Pizza Pasta Bake

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Clara Rosewood
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with this Pizza Pasta Bake, where the heartiness of pasta meets the cheesy goodness of pizza. With a golden, bubbling crust and layers of savory marinara, zesty pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella, this dish transforms any weeknight into a festive occasion. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it’s an easy-to-make recipe that guarantees smiles all around.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 oz pepperoni slices
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the penne until al dente; drain.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions and bell peppers until soft (about 5 minutes).
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, pepperoni, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 45mg