Easy Pizza Pasta Bake

The Perfect Family Comfort Food

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner recipe that everyone will love, look no further than this Easy Pizza Pasta Bake. It’s the ultimate combination of two beloved dishes—pizza and pasta—baked together in cheesy perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a casual dinner party, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the bold flavors of pizza but craves the comforting texture of pasta. It’s:

  • Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour it. Plus, you can customize the toppings to suit your family’s preferences.
  • Quick and easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes in the oven, it’s a time-saving dinner option.
  • Versatile: Whether you want to sneak in extra veggies, swap out ingredients, or make it vegetarian, this recipe adapts effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Pizza Pasta Bake:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
  • 1 small can of sliced black olives, drained
  • 1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup pepperoni
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
  • Cooking spray

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 9″x13″ baking dish
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Combine with Olives: Stir the drained black olives into the sausage and vegetable mixture.
  6. Assemble the Bake: Coat a 9″x13″ baking dish with cooking spray. Add the cooked penne pasta, sausage mixture, and marinara sauce. Toss everything together gently to combine.
  7. Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
  8. Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’d like a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Tips and Variations

  • Make It Vegetarian: Swap the sausage for plant-based crumbles or skip it altogether. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or roasted red peppers for more flavor.
  • Switch Up the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even leftover rotisserie chicken instead of Italian sausage.
  • Cheese Options: While mozzarella is a classic, you can mix in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or provolone for a different flavor profile.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though they tend to disappear quickly!), here’s how to store them:

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

Perfect Pairings

This Easy Pizza Pasta Bake pairs beautifully with:

  • Salad: Serve with a simple Caesar salad or a fresh green salad with vinaigrette.
  • Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread or breadsticks complements the dish perfectly.
  • Beverages: Pair with a glass of red wine like Chianti or a sparkling Italian soda for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bake up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

What can I use instead of penne pasta?
You can use any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or ziti. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the bake.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes! Store-bought marinara works perfectly, but feel free to use homemade sauce if you have it on hand.

How can I make this healthier?
Use whole-grain pasta, lean turkey sausage, and add extra veggies. You can also reduce the amount of cheese if desired.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This Easy Pizza Pasta Bake is the perfect dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you’re craving comfort food that’s quick to prepare. Its versatility and bold flavors make it a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! Be sure to subscribe to the blog for more delicious recipes, kitchen tips, and meal inspiration. Let us know in the comments how you customized your Pizza Pasta Bake—we’d love to hear your creative twists!

Happy cooking! 🍝🍕

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