Pizza Pasta Bake

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Here’s a hearty and delicious recipe for Pizza Pasta Bake—a fun twist on traditional pizza that combines pasta, marinara, and your favorite pizza toppings into a cheesy, baked casserole!

Pizza Pasta Bake

Ingredients (Serves 6)

  • 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or ziti work well)
  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or pepperoni slices, if you prefer)
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta:
    • Cook the pasta according to package instructions, but stop a minute or two before it’s fully done to ensure it stays firm while baking. Drain and set aside.
  3. Cook the meat and vegetables:
    • In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
    • Add the diced bell pepper and onion to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Assemble the pizza pasta:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage and veggie mixture, marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and all of the Parmesan. Stir to combine. Season with oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bake the pasta:
    • Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and, if using, the sliced pepperoni.
    • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and slightly golden.
  6. Serve:
    • Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Optional Variations:

  • Veggie version: Add mushrooms, olives, or spinach to the pasta for a veggie-packed version.
  • Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
  • Cheese options: Try using a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone cheese for extra flavor.

This Pizza Pasta Bake combines all the comforting flavors of pizza with the heartiness of pasta, making it a perfect family-friendly dish for any pizza lover!

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