Description
Pizza Pasta Bake
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta (or your choice of pasta)
2 cups marinara sauce
1 lb ground Italian sausage
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup pepperoni slices
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Drain any excess grease.
Mix the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, cooked sausage, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses in a large mixing bowl.
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and layer with pepperoni slices.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot and garnish with fresh herbs like basil or thyme if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 480 kcal per serving
#PizzaLovers #PastaBake #ComfortFood #EasyDinner #FamilyFavorites #CheesyGoodness
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect Pizza Pasta Bake every time. First, gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Once cooked, drain any excess grease. In your largest mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, marinara sauce, cooked sausage, Italian seasoning, and exactly half of both cheeses. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Now, layer the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, ensuring full coverage. Finally, artfully arrange the pepperoni slices in a single layer over the cheese. Place the dish in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty bake is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp, simple side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a true pizza parlor experience, serve with garlic breadsticks or cheesy bread. A light, chilled Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water with lemon complements the savory flavors perfectly. Leftovers reheat wonderfully in the microwave or a 350°F oven for a quick lunch.
How-to Summary
In short: Cook pasta, brown sausage, mix with sauce and half the cheese, transfer to a dish, top with remaining cheese and pepperoni, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne works great because its shape holds the sauce, but rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli are excellent substitutes.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit the sausage and pepperoni. Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or vegetarian meat crumbles for a flavorful vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this bake ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven.
Can I freeze the Pizza Pasta Bake?
For best results, freeze it before baking. Wrap the assembled dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta initially: Cook it only to al dente, as it will soften further while baking.
- Not draining the sausage grease: This can make the final dish overly greasy.
- Using all the cheese in the mix: Saving half for the top ensures a delicious, golden-brown cheesy crust.
- Using a cold baking dish: Grease your dish while the oven preheats to help prevent sticking.
Conclusion
The Pizza Pasta Bake is the ultimate fusion meal, delivering all the beloved flavors of pizza in the comforting form of a cheesy pasta casserole. It’s reliably quick, incredibly customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy a crowd. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a family favorite that’s both effortless and impressively delicious. Enjoy the perfect combination of two classic comfort foods.