Pizza Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining the deliciousness of pizza with the heartiness of pasta. This dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. You can customize it with your favorite toppings and deliver a warm, satisfying meal in no time!

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 500
Protein: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fat: 25 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 800 mg

Why Make This Pizza Pasta Bake

Pizza Pasta Bake is a fun twist on traditional pasta dishes. With its cheesy, gooey topping and a burst of flavors from the pepperoni and vegetables, it caters to both pizza lovers and pasta aficionados. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to adapt it with various ingredients based on what you have at hand. Plus, the ease of preparation makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions.

How to Make Pizza Pasta Bake

Creating this delightful dish is simple. Follow these steps to achieve a bubbly, cheesy masterpiece that your family will love!

Ingredients:

8 oz pasta
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup pepperoni slices
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
1/2 cup onions, diced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Mixing

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, pepperoni, diced bell peppers, diced onions, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 3: Cooking

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top, making sure to cover all areas for an extra cheesy finish.
Step 4: Finishing

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and make it easier to slice.

How to Serve Pizza Pasta Bake

Serve the warm Pizza Pasta Bake fresh from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Pizza Pasta Bake

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven or microwave until heated through. For optimal texture, reheating in the oven is recommendable, as it keeps the cheese melty.

Expert Tips for Perfect Pizza Pasta Bake

For a spicier kick, try adding jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
Swap out pepperoni for cooked sausage, diced chicken, or veggies to accommodate different dietary preferences.
If you want a crispy top, broil the dish for the last few minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for varied flavor profiles.

Delicious Variations

Vegetarian Twist: Include a mix of your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
Pesto Delight: Replace marinara sauce with pesto sauce for a herby and fresh flavor.
Cheesy Supreme: Add a layer of ricotta cheese and Parmesan for extra richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Gluten-free pasta works great in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the package instructions.
Is this dish freezable?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked assembled dish or leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Can I add more proteins?
Certainly! Cooked chicken, ground beef, or turkey can be incorporated easily. Adjust the amount according to your taste.
How do I know when it’s done?
The dish is done when the cheese is melted and bubbling, with a golden color on top. A toothpick inserted into the pasta should come out clean.
What side dishes go well with this?
A simple garden salad or garlic bread complements the flavors nicely, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake.

Conclusion

Pizza Pasta Bake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that makes for a hearty meal. With its simplicity, versatility, and overall deliciousness, it’s no wonder this dish will become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, kick off your shoes, and get cooking! Enjoy the delightful flavors and the smiles that come with every bite. Happy baking!

Pizza Pasta Bake

Author: mia-harper
Total Time: 45
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Pizza Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining the deliciousness of pizza with the heartiness of pasta in a cheesy, baked dish.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz pasta
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup pepperoni slices
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
1/2 cup onions, diced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, pepperoni, diced bell peppers, diced onions, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top, making sure to cover all areas for an extra cheesy finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with a side salad or garlic bread.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 30mg