This Easy Pizza Pasta Bake tastes like a hot slice of pizza turned into a cheesy, comforting pasta dish. It’s tangy from pizza sauce, salty from pepperoni and olives, and gooey from melted mozzarella. The texture is saucy and cheesy with little bites of pepperoni and peppers to keep it fun.
Make this when you want a simple meal that pleases kids and adults, uses pantry staples, and cleans up fast. If you love quick comfort dinners, you might also enjoy this easy boneless beef short ribs recipe for another hearty night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes perfect for weeknights.
- Uses simple pantry and fridge ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Loved by kids and adults easy to scale for a crowd.
- Great for leftovers and meal prep.
Ingredients of Easy Pizza Pasta Bake
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions of Easy Pizza Pasta Bake
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package time. Drain.
- Toss the hot pasta with the pizza sauce in a large bowl so every piece gets coated.
- Stir in the pepperoni, chopped bell pepper, and sliced olives until evenly mixed.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish and spread it level.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges rise.
- Let rest 3–5 minutes, then serve hot so the cheese stretches and every bite is melty.
Tips for Success
- Cook the pasta slightly underdone so it finishes perfectly in the oven.
- Use a hot oven and a shallow dish for the cheese to brown and bubble nicely.
- Swap half the pepperoni for mushrooms or cooked sausage if you want more veggies or protein.
Substitutions & Variations of Easy Pizza Pasta Bake
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a dairy-free shredded mozzarella. Replace pepperoni with grilled mushrooms or vegan pepperoni slices.
Variations:
- Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for a meatier bake.
- Stir in a spoonful of pesto for a herby twist.
- Mix in cooked spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Try diced fresh tomatoes and fresh basil after baking for brightness.
Storage Instructions of Easy Pizza Pasta Bake
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until warm.
Freezer: Freeze cooled, baked portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until hot.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the pasta in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Easy Pizza Pasta Bake
Can I use fresh mozzarella?
Yes. Slice fresh mozzarella and scatter it on top. Pat it dry first to avoid extra water; it gives a creamier, softer melt.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes double ingredients and use a larger dish or two pans. Bake time may increase slightly for larger, deeper dishes.
What pasta shape works best?
Short shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold sauce well and work best for this bake.
Final Toughts
Easy Pizza Pasta Bake is a simple, comforting dish that feels like pizza and cooks like pasta perfect for busy families or anyone needing a fast, filling meal. Try the recipe, leave a comment below to tell me how it went, and don’t forget to give it a star rating if your family loved it.
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Easy Pizza Pasta Bake
A comforting pasta dish that combines all the flavors of pizza, this Easy Pizza Pasta Bake is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to please the whole family.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package time. Drain.
- Toss the hot pasta with the pizza sauce in a large bowl so every piece gets coated.
- Stir in the pepperoni, chopped bell pepper, and sliced olives until evenly mixed.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish and spread it level.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges rise.
- Let rest 3–5 minutes, then serve hot so the cheese stretches and every bite is melty.
Notes
For best results, cook the pasta slightly underdone and use a shallow dish for browning the cheese. Prepare for variations and substitutions to cater to dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian