Pizza Pasta

This Pizza Pasta Bake is the perfect blend of two classic comfort foods—cheesy pizza and hearty pasta. Made with simple pantry staples, flavorful meats, and plenty of melty mozzarella, this easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or potluck parties. It delivers bold, satisfying flavor with minimal effort, and it’s customizable to fit your favorite pizza toppings. If you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together quickly, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces cavatappi, penne, or rotini
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 8 ounces Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 8 ounces lean ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes, drained (14.5 ounces)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 jars pasta sauce (24 ounces each)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 28 slices pepperoni

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions; drain well.
• In a large skillet, brown the onion, sausage, and ground beef over medium heat; drain excess fat.
• Add garlic and both bell peppers; cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
• Stir in drained tomatoes, oregano, and pasta sauce until well combined.
• Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture and transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Top with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices.
• Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the pasta is heated through.

Serving Tips

• Pair this Pizza Pasta Bake with a simple green salad for a lighter, refreshing contrast.
• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks make an excellent side for soaking up extra sauce.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top after baking for a burst of color and freshness.
• Serve with roasted vegetables such as broccoli or zucchini for a balanced meal.
• For parties, portion the pasta bake into smaller ramekins for easy individual servings.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
• To freeze, cool completely and wrap tightly or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• For best results when freezing, bake without the cheese topping, freeze, then add the cheese when reheating.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for even warming.

Variations

1. Spicy Pizza Pasta
   Add hot Italian sausage, crushed red pepper flakes, and spicy pepperoni for a fiery kick.
2. Veggie Lover’s Pasta Bake
   Load it with mushrooms, spinach, black olives, zucchini, and extra peppers instead of meat.
3. Supreme Pizza Pasta
   Add black olives, mushrooms, and sliced green onions for that classic supreme pizza taste.
4. Meat Lover’s Version
   Use Italian sausage, ground beef, bacon, and diced ham for a hearty, protein-packed bake.
5. Hawaiian Pizza Pasta
   Add diced ham and pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory twist.
6. Creamy Alfredo Pizza Pasta
   Replace half the pasta sauce with Alfredo sauce for a creamy, rich texture.
7. Four Cheese Bake
   Mix mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and cheddar into the pasta for a cheesy explosion.
8. Chicken Pizza Pasta
   Swap the sausage and beef for cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken.
9. BBQ Chicken Pizza Pasta
   Use BBQ sauce mixed with pasta sauce and add diced chicken, red onion, and cheddar cheese.
10. Pepperoni Lovers
    Double the pepperoni, layering some inside the pasta and some on top for extra flavor.
11. Sausage & Mushroom Pizza Pasta
    Use Italian sausage and sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, savory combination.
12. Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake
    Use ground beef, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and add diced pickles before serving.
13. Pesto Pizza Pasta
    Mix a few tablespoons of basil pesto into the sauce for an herby, fresh flavor boost.
14. Gluten-Free Pizza Pasta
    Use gluten-free pasta and ensure sauces and toppings are gluten-free.
15. Low-Carb Version
    Replace pasta with cooked cauliflower florets or zucchini spirals for a lighter option.

FAQs

1. Can I make this Pizza Pasta Bake ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I freeze this dish before baking?
   Absolutely. Assemble, wrap well, and freeze. Bake from frozen by adding extra bake time.
3. What pasta shapes work best?
   Cavatappi, rotini, penne, or any pasta that holds sauce well.
4. Can I use marinara instead of pasta sauce?
   Yes, marinara works perfectly.
5. How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
   Cook it al dente and drain well before combining with the sauce.
6. Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
   Yes, both are great lighter options.
7. Can I make this without meat?
   Yes, simply omit the sausage and beef or replace with more veggies.
8. How do I make it extra cheesy?
   Add more mozzarella, stir in ricotta, or use a four-cheese blend.
9. Can I add toppings inside the pasta?
   Absolutely—pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, and spinach work great mixed in.
10. How long does it last in the fridge?
    Up to 3 days stored properly in an airtight container.

This Pizza Pasta Bake brings the best of pizza and pasta together in one hearty, flavorful dish. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and packed with comforting ingredients that satisfy every time. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers delicious results with minimal effort. It’s a guaranteed favorite that you’ll want to add to your regular meal rotation.

Print