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Easy Weeknight Pizza Pasta Bake

Close-up of a cheesy, baked slice of pizza pasta with pepperoni and black olives.
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Create this satisfying pizza pasta bake for a simple, cheesy, family-friendly weeknight dinner that tastes just like your favorite pizza.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound short pasta (like rotini or penne)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar pizza sauce or marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage or ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the pizza sauce, water, and heavy cream or milk. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked pasta, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and the Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined.
  7. Spread the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  8. Top the mixture with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, the mini pepperoni slices, and the sliced black olives, if you are using them.
  9. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned on top.
  10. Let the pizza pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before you serve it.

Notes

  • For a supreme pizza flavor, add 1/4 cup of chopped green bell pepper and 1/4 cup of sliced mushrooms when you cook the onion.
  • You can make this a freezer friendly casserole by assembling it completely, covering it tightly, and freezing it unbaked for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
  • If you want a one pot pizza pasta experience, skip the baking step. Just combine all ingredients in a large pot after the sauce simmers, let it cook on low for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorzine.com/easy-weeknight-pizza-pasta-bake/