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Ultimate One-Pot Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

Close-up of a baked slice of pizza pasta casserole with melted cheese and meat sauce.
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Create a comforting, family-friendly meal that captures all the best flavors of pizza in a simple, cheesy baked pasta casserole. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dry pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the marinara sauce and water. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  5. Add the dry pasta directly to the simmering sauce. Stir well to coat all the pasta. Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is mostly tender but still slightly firm (al dente).
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sliced pepperoni and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and all the Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  9. Let the pizza pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a supreme flavor profile, add 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms and 1/4 cup sliced black olives along with the pepperoni before baking.
  • This dish freezes well. Assemble the casserole completely, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 10 minutes to the bake time.
  • Serve this easy pizza pasta bake with a simple side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/pizza-pasta-one-pot-cheesy-bake/