Super Easy Pizza Pasta Bake

Who can resist a cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake that comes together in one dish with all the flavors you crave? This was my solution to busy nights when we could not decide between pasta and pizza. It is wildly popular at potlucks and weeknight tables alike because it fills everyone up and is so simple to prep.

I first threw this together for a sleepover and it disappeared faster than any delivery pizza could have I love how you only need a few minutes of hands on effort for that bubbling cheesy finish

Ingredients

• Uncooked penne pasta: this shape holds sauce perfectly and bakes up tender look for sturdy pasta that holds its shape
• Marinara sauce: buy a good quality jarred brand or make your own for deeper flavor taste for sweetness and adjust seasoning if needed
• Sliced pepperoni: brings pizza flavor to the bake turkey pepperoni works too if you want less fat seek out thick cut for extra meaty bites
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts into stringy gooey layers for that pizza stretch always grate your own for best melt and taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the pasta:

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil Add penne and cook for two minutes less than package instructions This keeps it perfect after baking Drain well and return to the pot so it stays warm

Mix everything together:

Add marinara and a generous handful of sliced pepperoni straight into the hot pasta Stir so every piece is coated and the sauce is warmed through Taste for salt keeping in mind the cheese and pepperoni both bring their own salt

Layer into a baking dish:

Spoon all the saucy pasta into a large casserole dish or your favorite deep baking pan Smooth out the top so it bakes evenly and do not pack too tightly for best texture

Top with cheese and more pepperoni:

Scatter mozzarella all across the surface so every bite will be gooey Layer remaining pepperoni artfully on top for visual appeal and crispy edges Aim for a single even layer to maximize crisp

Send it to the oven:

Slide the dish onto the upper third rack in a preheated oven Bake uncovered for about twenty minutes until bubbling and hot Finish under the broiler for a few minutes to get golden cheesy spots and crisp the pepperoni Watch closely so it does not burn

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Mozzarella is always my favorite part Every time I pull this out of the oven my kids fight over the stringy, just browned corners When we made this with friends for game night everyone wanted seconds even before it left the table

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days The bake reheats beautifully if you cover with foil and bake low and slow or use the microwave but always add a splash of water so it stays moist For longer keeping divide into single portions and freeze up to three months

Ingredient Substitutions

No penne Use rigatoni or ziti Whatever sturdy pasta you have works Turkey pepperoni lowers the fat while keeping all the flavor To make it vegetarian swap in sautéed mushrooms and roasted red peppers for a meat free take on pizza night

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines on its own but pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or simple roasted broccoli For parties cut in squares and serve as a hearty side alongside garlic bread We also love it for movie nights with big bowls and extra parmesan

Cultural Context

This recipe is a playful American tribute to both pizza and pasta with all the nostalgia of a casserole It borrows from classic baked ziti and the flavors of a classic pizzeria The one dish style speaks to make ahead comfort food traditions especially in busy family kitchens

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Give this Pizza Pasta Bake a try and make your next family dinner or get together extra fun and filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, other short pasta types like rigatoni or rotini work well and hold up nicely in the bake.

→ What marinara sauce is best?

Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara for this dish; a thicker sauce clings best to the pasta.

→ How can I make this vegetarian?

Simply omit the pepperoni or swap in plant-based alternatives to create a vegetarian-friendly bake.

→ Can I prepare it ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding several minutes to baking time if chilled.

→ What cheeses work besides mozzarella?

Try provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra flavor and gooey texture.