Pizza Pasta Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pizza Pasta Casserole is a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza, combining pasta with all the classic pizza toppings, like pepperoni, cheese, and marinara sauce. It’s a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or a cozy family dinner. This one-pan casserole is simple to make and offers all the satisfaction of pizza without the need for a crust.

Ingredients

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this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage (or beef) over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the cooked sausage, along with the garlic powder, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and meat mixture.
6. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Top with pepperoni slices, followed by the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner version of this dish.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the casserole for extra flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra vegetables, like zucchini or spinach.
• Top with additional cheese or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta, such as rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli, in place of penne.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze Pizza Pasta Casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes to an hour.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free due to the pasta. However, you can use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

Conclusion

Pizza Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of pizza and pasta into one easy, cheesy dish. With layers of savory sausage, pepperoni, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy your pizza cravings in a whole new way.

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