Description
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Pasta is a comforting, cheese-loaded pasta dish that’s bursting with the flavors of your favorite pepperoni pizza.
Ingredients
- Pasta: Choose a short, tubular pasta like penne or rotini for the perfect texture in this dish.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is the key to achieving that gooey, melty cheese topping that makes this pasta bake so irresistible.
- Pepperoni: Spicy, flavorful pepperoni slices add the classic pizza flavor that ties the whole dish together.
- Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite marinara or pizza sauce as the base for this pasta bake.
- Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of this classic herb blend enhances the Italian flavors.
- Garlic Powder: For an extra punch of savory goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese provides a final layer of cheesy deliciousness.
- Parsley (optional): Fresh chopped parsley adds a touch of brightness and freshness.
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, half of the mozzarella cheese, and the sliced pepperoni. Stir everything together until well-incorporated.
3. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese.
4. Melt and Serve: Bake the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Pasta at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Pasta Perfection: Cook the pasta just until it’s al dente, as it will continue to soften during the baking process.
Cheese Customization: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends, such as adding cheddar or Parmesan to the mozzarella.
Veggie Boost: For a nutritional twist, you can incorporate diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions into the pasta mixture.
Advance Prep: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it in the oven before serving.
Freezer-Friendly: Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Pasta also freezes beautifully. Bake it, let it cool completely, and then freeze in individual portions for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 500
- Calories: 3
- Sugar: 800
- Sodium: 1500
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 80
- Fiber: 80
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 0