Pizza Pasta Bake
A cheesy, comforting casserole loaded with pasta, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and your favorite pizza toppings. It's all the flavor of a supreme pizza baked into an easy, family-friendly weeknight dinner.
For 6 servings
8 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a large pot, cook the pasta in generously salted boiling water until al dente, following package directions but cooking for about 2 minutes less than the recommended time. Drain well and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage
- a.Sauté for 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables have softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- 5
Step 5
- a.In a very large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the sausage and vegetable mixture, marinara sauce, 2 cups of the mozzarella cheese, half of the pepperoni slices, the parmesan cheese, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Top with the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown. For a crispier top, you can switch to the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set for easier slicing. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Slightly undercooking the pasta is key. It will continue to cook in the oven and absorb sauce, so starting with al dente pasta prevents it from becoming mushy.
- 2For the best cheese pull, grate your own mozzarella cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- 3Letting the bake rest before cutting is crucial. It allows the casserole to set, so you get clean slices instead of a soupy pile.
- 4Feel free to add other favorite pizza toppings like sliced black olives, sautéed mushrooms, or even pineapple with some ham instead of sausage.
- 5This dish is great for meal prep. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian Delight
Omit the sausage and pepperoni. Sauté 8 oz of sliced mushrooms and 1 chopped zucchini with the onion and bell pepper. Add a can of drained black olives for a veggie-supreme version.
Creamy White Pizza BakeCreamy White Pizza Bake
Swap the marinara sauce for 2 cups of Alfredo sauce. Use cooked, shredded chicken instead of Italian sausage for a creamy, savory alternative.
Spicy Meat Lover'sSpicy Meat Lover's
Use hot Italian sausage, add 1/2 lb of cooked and crumbled bacon to the mix, and double the amount of pepperoni and red pepper flakes for an extra spicy, meaty kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
With Italian sausage, pepperoni, and a generous amount of cheese, this dish provides a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Lycopene
The marinara sauce, made from cooked tomatoes, is a fantastic source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Provides Sustained Energy
The pasta serves as a primary source of complex carbohydrates, which are broken down slowly by the body to provide a steady and sustained release of energy.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of about 1.5 cups contains approximately 750-850 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the sausage and cheese.