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One Pot Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake: Your New Weeknight Hero

A close-up of a square serving of 1 pot pizza pasta topped with melted mozzarella, tomato sauce, and pepperoni slices.
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Make this ultimate Pizza Pasta Bake soon! It combines all the delicious tastes of a classic pizza into one cheesy, baked dish that is pure comfort food. This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (or ground beef)
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar pizza or marinara sauce
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Add the dry pasta to the simmering sauce mixture. Stir well to combine. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is almost tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. This is the one pot step.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream, if using, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  7. Spread the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and the mini pepperoni slices.
  8. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  9. Let the Pizza Pasta Casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a make ahead option, assemble the casserole completely (steps 1 through 6), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • You can easily customize this with your favorite pizza toppings like sliced mushrooms or green peppers; add them in with the onions in step 2.
  • This recipe makes a great game day pasta dish; it travels well and reheats nicely.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://epicureempire.com/pizzapasta-one-pot-cheesy-bake-recipe/