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Easy Pizza Pasta Bake: Your New Favorite Weeknight Comfort Food

A close-up serving of baked pizza pasta casserole topped with melted mozzarella and pepperoni.
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You deserve delicious comfort food that comes together fast. This easy pizza pasta bake captures all your favorite pizza tastes in a satisfying, cheesy bake perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dry pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup sliced bell pepper (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup small pepperoni slices
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. 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 and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked pasta, pepperoni, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
  8. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  9. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  10. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  11. Let the pizza pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before you serve it.

Notes

  • For a supreme pizza pasta recipe, add 1/2 cup sliced black olives and 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms when you add the marinara sauce.
  • If you want a creamy pizza pasta texture, stir in 1/4 cup of cream cheese with the ricotta before layering.
  • You can make this ahead! Assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastetaught.com/easy-pizza-pasta-bake-comfort-food/