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Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake

Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake
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Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake is a quick and comforting casserole blending tender pasta, zesty marinara sauce, plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and spicy pepperoni. Ready in under 40 minutes, this one-dish meal is perfect for busy evenings or casual get-togethers, delivering all the flavors of pizza in a cozy, cheesy pasta bake with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, etc.)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cheese and Toppings

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 20–25 pepperoni slices (divided)
  • 1 tsp olive oil (for drizzling on top before baking)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Pour in marinara sauce, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to let flavors meld.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce until well coated. Fold in half of the pepperoni slices, allowing them to warm slightly in the sauce.
  4. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly top with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining pepperoni slices. Drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil on top for a lovely finish.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy on the edges. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; aim for al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Use good quality marinara sauce for best flavor.
  • Layer cheese inside and on top for gooey texture.
  • Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set and slice better.
  • For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pepperoni pizza pasta bake, baked pasta casserole, easy pasta bake, pizza flavors pasta, weeknight dinner, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/pepperoni-pizza-pasta-bake/