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- 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup sliced pepperoni (or any preferred pizza topping) The main ingredients form the heart of our Easy Pizza Pasta Bake. First, choose your pasta. I love penne or rotini for this dish. They hold the sauce well and add a nice bite. Olive oil adds richness. Sauté the onion and garlic in it for flavor. The bell pepper brightens the dish with its sweetness. Lastly, pepperoni adds that classic pizza taste. You can swap it with any topping you love, like mushrooms or sausage. - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste For the sauce, marinara is a must. It brings moisture and taste. You can use store-bought or homemade. Dried oregano and basil add that Italian flair. I always recommend tasting as you go, adding salt and pepper to enhance flavors. The herbs will make your kitchen smell amazing. - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) Cheese is where the magic happens! I use mozzarella for its meltiness. It creates that gooey, stretchy layer we all love. Parmesan adds a nutty depth. Sprinkle it generously on top before baking. If you want, add fresh basil after it comes out of the oven for a pop of color and flavor. This makes the dish look as good as it tastes. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, boil water in a large pot. Add 2 cups of pasta, either penne or rotini. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but cooked through. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside for later. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes. You want the onion to soften but not brown. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 diced red bell pepper. Cook these for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper is tender. Next, stir in 1 cup of sliced pepperoni. Once mixed, pour in 2 cups of marinara sauce. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil, plus salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together well. Now, mix the sauce with the cooked pasta in the skillet. Make sure every piece of pasta gets covered in sauce. Once combined, transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This cheese layer will melt and create a delicious crust while baking. To get the best results, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the pasta bake evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the cheese to melt nicely and turn a lovely golden color. This shows that it is ready. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Make this dish your own! You can use many pizza toppings. Try mushrooms, olives, or cooked sausage. If you want a healthier twist, swap the pepperoni for veggies like spinach or zucchini. For special diets, use gluten-free pasta. You can also use dairy-free cheese if needed. Pair your pizza pasta bake with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light dressing works well. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for a tasty treat. To impress your family, serve it directly from the baking dish. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. This makes it look inviting and colorful! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture during baking, preventing it from becoming mushy. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to mix and match your favorite pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or even veggies for a healthier twist. Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil or oregano right before serving enhances the flavor profile and adds a beautiful garnish. Let It Rest: Allowing the pasta bake to sit for 5 minutes after baking helps it set, making it easier to serve and enjoy. {{image_2}} You can easily make this pizza pasta bake meat-free. Swap pepperoni with mushrooms, olives, or spinach. These add great taste and texture. You can also use a mix of your favorite veggies. Try zucchini, broccoli, or artichokes. They make the dish colorful and healthy. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good choices like rice or quinoa pasta. For the sauce, check labels to ensure it's gluten-free. You can use mozzarella and Parmesan cheese without gluten too. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. Want to spice things up? Try adding flavors from other cuisines. For a Mexican twist, use taco seasoning and black beans. For an Italian flare, mix in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian sausage. You can also play with spices like curry powder or smoked paprika. These changes will take your dish to new heights. To keep your pizza pasta bake fresh, store it in an airtight container. Cut it into portions for easy access. Place the leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you notice any off smell or mold, it’s best to toss it. When reheating, the oven is your best friend. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the pasta bake in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just add a splash of water to help it steam. This way, you avoid soggy pasta and keep it tasty. You can freeze your pizza pasta bake before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish but don’t cook it. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil. It will last for about three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. If you freeze it after baking, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your delicious meal any time! This dish is quick to make. It takes about 15 minutes to prep. Cooking it in the oven takes an additional 20 to 25 minutes. So, you will spend around 45 minutes from start to finish. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. You can cook the pasta and mix the sauce. Then, store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you are ready to eat. This makes meal prep easy and fun. If you want a change from marinara sauce, try pizza sauce or pesto. You can also use alfredo sauce for a creamy twist. Each option gives the dish a new flavor profile and keeps things exciting. This blog post covered how to make a delicious pizza pasta bake. You learned about the key ingredients, like pasta, cheese, and sauces. We discussed step-by-step instructions and tips for baking it to perfection. You also explored variations for dietary needs and storage tips for leftovers. In the end, this dish is simple to make and perfect for sharing. Whether you customize it or enjoy it as is, it’s sure to please everyone. Happy cooking!

Easy Pizza Pasta Bake

A delicious and easy-to-make pasta bake with pizza flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni (or any preferred pizza topping)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large pot, boil water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • Stir in the sliced pepperoni, followed by the marinara sauce, cooked pasta, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Keyword bake, easy, pasta, pizza