Description
This Easy Pizza Pasta is a bubbling, cheesy fusion of your two favorite comfort foods—pizza and pasta—baked to golden perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
- Penne Pasta: 12 ounces – Provides the sturdy base that holds up well in baking.
- Marinara Sauce: 3 cups – Delivers that rich, tomatoey flavor you love in pizza.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups shredded – Melts into creamy, gooey goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated – Adds a sharp, nutty contrast.
- Pepperoni Slices: 1 cup – Brings the bold, meaty punch of pizza.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon – Used to coat the pasta and keep it from sticking.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon – A blend of herbs that mimics classic pizza flavors.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances all the other ingredients.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon – Adds a gentle kick and balance.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon – For those who like a bit of heat.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Combine Ingredients: Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente, drain, and toss with olive oil. In a large bowl, mix the pasta, marinara sauce, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Assemble the Dish: Top with the remaining mozzarella and arrange pepperoni slices across the top like you would on a pizza.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Finishing Touches: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top just before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let rest for 5 minutes, then scoop out generous portions and watch smiles appear.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor.
- Broil for 2 minutes at the end if you like a crispier top.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.