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The Ultimate Easy Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

A fork lifts a portion of cheesy pizza pasta bake, showing extreme cheese pull over rotini pasta and pepperoni slices.
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Take command of your weeknight dinner with this easy pizza pasta bake. This recipe combines the hearty satisfaction of a pasta casserole with the familiar, cheesy flavors of your favorite pepperoni pizza. It is simple to assemble and perfect for family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces rotini pasta
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce (pizza sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup cooked ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
  • 7 ounces pepperoni, roughly chopped, plus extra for topping
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
  4. Stir in the cooked ground meat (if using) and the chopped pepperoni.
  5. Spread half of the mozzarella cheese over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  6. Pour the pasta mixture over the cheese layer and spread it into an even layer.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta. Arrange extra pepperoni slices on top if desired.
  8. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  9. Bake for 25 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 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 bake, add 1/2 cup sliced black olives and 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms to the pasta mixture before baking.
  • You can make this recipe ahead of time. Assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prep; it reheats well in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycommand.com/pizza-pasta-bake-recipe/