Description
This easy, cheesy pizza pasta combines the best of two Italian favorites — gooey pizza toppings and hearty pasta — for a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or comfort food cravings!
Ingredients
300 g penne or rotini pasta
2 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
100 g sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage (optional)
½ cup sliced mushrooms
½ cup diced bell peppers
¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the pasta with pizza sauce, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings.
Fold in toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives.
Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and extra pepperoni or toppings if desired.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and load up on veggies.
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free adaptation.
Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American