Ingredients for the Best Pizza Pasta

This comforting pizza pasta bake relies on a handful of simple ingredients. Feel free to swap or adjust to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs:

• Pasta: Short pasta shapes like shells, penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best. Shells are particularly great because their shape holds the sauce and meat beautifully.
• Onion: Yellow or white onion provides a savory foundation for the sauce. Dice it finely to ensure it blends seamlessly into the other ingredients.
• Green Bell Pepper: A classic pizza topping! Feel free to experiment with red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter flavor profile.
• Italian Sausage: Choose your favorite—sweet or spicy. Removing the casings allows the sausage to crumble easily and distribute evenly throughout the dish.
• Tomato Sauce: Use a high-quality store-bought marinara or pizza sauce. Opt for garlic or herb-infused varieties for added flavor. For an even richer experience, consider using homemade bolognese sauce. If the sauce is thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
• Pepperoni: Divide the pepperoni, using half in the pasta mixture and the other half to top the casserole. Regular or mini pepperoni both work well.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese creates that essential gooey, melty layer. Freshly shredded low-moisture mozzarella melts best and offers superior flavor.

Refer to the recipe card below for precise ingredient measurements.

Visual Guide: Making Pizza Pasta Casserole

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying pizza pasta bake.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Pasta: Step-by-Step

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until slightly undercooked, about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions suggest. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so avoid overcooking it. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables and Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the Italian sausage (remove casing) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Add tomato sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl (or directly in the pot), combine the cooked pasta, sausage mixture, half of the pepperoni, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by the remaining pepperoni. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden, crispy top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the pasta casserole cool slightly for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Customize Your Pizza Pasta Casserole

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to create your perfect pizza pasta masterpiece:

• Different Protein: Substitute Italian sausage with ground beef, ground turkey, or diced cooked chicken breasts.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and load up on your favorite vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, black olives, roasted zucchini, and artichoke hearts are all excellent additions.
• Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is a classic choice, try using shredded provolone, an Italian cheese blend, or dollops of ricotta cheese for added flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free: Simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta.

This recipe is very forgiving and family-friendly. Make it a fun build-your-own pasta night!

What to Serve with Pizza Pasta Casserole

Complete your pasta night with these complementary side dishes:

• Cheesy Garlic Bread: A classic pairing!
• Iceberg Wedge Salad: Offers a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Soft-Baked M&M Cookies: The perfect sweet treat for dessert.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Pizza Pasta

This pizza pasta recipe is ideal for meal prepping, and it freezes beautifully:

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the top layer of cheese), cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, add the cheese and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
• Store Leftovers: Cool completely and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Freeze: Freeze baked and cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Slice into individual servings for easy reheating.