Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe
If comfort food had a love child, it would be Pizza Pasta Casserole. Just imagine: all the cheesy, pepperoni-packed flavors you crave on your favorite pizza, layered with tender pasta and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s satisfying, easy enough for busy weeknights, and a total crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding kids, teens, or a crew of hungry adults. This recipe brings you everything you love about classic Italian-American dishes in one cozy casserole—so you can skip the pizza box and make magic right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pizza Pasta Casserole comes together with a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, each playing an important role in achieving that epic flavor and beloved “gooey” factor. Every ingredient here matters—don’t skip them unless you’re customizing to your tastes!
- Rotini or Penne Pasta (12 oz): These shapes grab onto all the saucy goodness and make for a hearty bite every time.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): A quick sauté gets the meat sizzling and adds a subtle, fruity base note to the whole dish.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage (1 pound): The backbone of savory flavor—beef is classic, sausage offers a herby kick.
- Small Onion, Finely Chopped: A touch of natural sweetness and texture in every forkful.
- Garlic, Minced (2 cloves): Brings warmth and depth, letting those Italian flavors really shine.
- Marinara or Pizza Sauce (2 cups): Pick your favorite jar—this coats every bite in rich tomato flavor.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): For that classic pizzeria aroma (think basil, oregano, and rosemary).
- Sliced Pepperoni (1 cup, divided): You’ll stir some into the pasta and save the rest for that irresistible topping.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): The stringy, gooey star—use part-skim for a little less richness if you like.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): A sprinkle for sharp, salty flavor that balances out the creamy mozzarella.
- Salt and Black Pepper, To Taste: Simple seasoning, but don’t underestimate how much it brings the dish together.
- Optional: Sliced Black Olives, Diced Green Peppers, or Mushrooms: Toss these on for extra pizzeria flair and pops of color or flavor.
How to Make Pizza Pasta Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your rotini or penne and cook just until al dente; you want the noodles to still have a slight bite since they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside—don’t rinse, so all the starchy goodness helps catch the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Vegetables
In a big skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef or Italian sausage and break it up as it cooks, stirring until it’s richly browned. Add in the chopped onion and let it soften for about 3–4 minutes, then stir in those aromatic minced garlic cloves for the final minute—your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Step 3: Make the Zesty Sauce
Pour in the marinara or pizza sauce, shake in your Italian seasoning, and stir in half of the pepperoni slices. Let everything simmer for about five minutes, allowing the flavors to get cozy together. This is where that classic Pizza Pasta Casserole flavor starts building.
Step 4: Mix Pasta, Cheese, and Meat Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with your meaty, saucy mixture. Sprinkle in one cup of mozzarella and all the grated Parmesan cheese—get in there and give it a good stir so every noodle is coated and cheesy. Taste and add salt and black pepper to make the flavors pop.
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly. Pour in your pasta and sauce combo, then smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese and arrange the reserved pepperoni slices (and any optional toppings) over the top for that true pizza effect.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Bake uncovered in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes. The cheese will melt, the edges will bubble, and the pepperoni will crisp up just a bit. Once it’s done, let the Pizza Pasta Casserole rest for five minutes so the slices hold together beautifully when you serve.
How to Serve Pizza Pasta Casserole
Garnishes
Add a flurry of freshly chopped parsley or basil right before serving to brighten everything up and give your Pizza Pasta Casserole that inviting, just-out-of-the-oven look. You could also dust on a bit more grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper if you like some heat.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve this casserole with a big green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette and maybe some garlic bread or warm breadsticks to soak up all the extra sauce. Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies are wonderful if you want a lighter side with your cheesy main.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop your Pizza Pasta Casserole into small bowls for a cozy, family-style dinner, or cut it into neat squares and plate with a sprig of basil for dinner guests. If you’re feeling playful, let everyone top their own serving with extra olives, peppers, or hot sauce for a personal touch—the possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, transfer any leftover Pizza Pasta Casserole into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, often making this dish even tastier on day two!
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. You can assemble it in advance, skip the baking, and wrap the whole dish tightly with foil and plastic. Freeze for up to three months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed when ready to enjoy fresh Pizza Pasta Casserole anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, scoop individual portions into a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a lid or paper towel. Heat until piping hot—usually 2–3 minutes on high. For a crispier top, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered, until heated through, then uncover for the last few minutes to refresh the cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I make Pizza Pasta Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef or sausage for your favorite plant-based meat substitute or even extra mushrooms and peppers for a hearty, satisfying vegetarian twist that still delivers on flavor.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Rotini and penne are favorites because their grooves catch the sauce and cheese, but fusilli, ziti, or even rigatoni work beautifully. Just stay away from spaghetti or very fine noodles, as they won’t hold up as well in the casserole.
Is it possible to add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, or zucchini. Just be sure to cook off excess moisture first, especially with watery veggies, so your casserole stays nicely textured.
Can I make Pizza Pasta Casserole ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble everything in the baking dish and store it, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. When ready, bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes since it’s starting from cold.
What type Main Course
Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is a classic for that stretchy, golden crust. You can also blend in provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for more complexity, but mozzarella is what gives this dish its pizza-like pull.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a way to combine your pizza and pasta cravings into one show-stopping dish, this Pizza Pasta Casserole is your answer. It’s feel-good food that’s unbelievably tasty, simple to make, and endlessly customizable. Give it a try soon—your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
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Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Pizza Pasta Casserole combines the flavors of a classic pizza with the comfort of a pasta bake. Perfect for a family dinner, this easy casserole is a crowd-pleaser with layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, gooey cheese, and zesty pepperoni.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni (reserve half for topping)
- Optional: sliced black olives, diced green peppers, or mushrooms
Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: Brown the ground beef or sausage with onion and garlic. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and half of the pepperoni.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix cooked pasta with the meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Pour into a baking dish.
- Top and bake: Add remaining mozzarella and pepperoni slices on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Serve: Let it rest before serving.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and frozen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
