If you’re searching for a meal that brings the best of two beloved comfort foods into one delightful dish, this Super Easy Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a wonderfully simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines hearty pasta with the rich flavors of marinara, pepperoni, and melty mozzarella cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. Whether feeding a family, hosting friends, or just craving something satisfying and quick, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and ease, making dinnertime an absolute joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for some basic yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish bursting with flavor and just the right amount of gooey cheese pull. Each component plays a key role in building layers of taste, texture, and that classic pizza feel in pasta form.
- 1 pound uncooked penne: Chosen for its sturdy ridges that hold onto the sauce perfectly.
- 3 cups (24 oz.) marinara sauce: Provides the rich, tangy base that infuses every bite with authentic Italian flavor.
- 10 ounces sliced pepperoni: Adds a spicy, savory punch that’s iconic in any pizza-inspired dish.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers melty, creamy, and slightly stretchy goodness that pulls everything together.
- Salt for pasta water: Essential for seasoning the pasta and enhancing the overall flavor.
How to Make Super Easy Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and move the oven rack to the top third position. This helps the cheese and pepperoni crisp up nicely without burning.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until it’s just shy of al dente—about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. This ensures your pasta won’t turn mushy after baking. Drain the pasta well and toss it back into the pot.
Step 3: Combine Pasta with Sauce and Pepperoni
Stir the marinara sauce into the pasta, coating each piece generously. Then, fold in about one-third of the sliced pepperoni so it’s mixed throughout for little bites of spiced goodness nestled inside the bake.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Transfer the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly. This creates an even surface for the toppings.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Remaining Pepperoni
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over the top to create a luscious cheese layer. Then, scatter the remaining pepperoni slices on top to crisp up while baking, delivering that beloved pizza finish.
Step 6: Bake and Broil for Perfection
Bake the dish uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. For the final touch, switch your oven to broil for a couple of minutes to get the pepperoni edges nice and crispy. Keep a close eye at this stage—broilers can go from perfect to burnt in a flash!
How to Serve Super Easy Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top after baking for a pop of color and herby brightness that lightens up the rich flavors wonderfully. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add an optional kick if you like some heat.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake is pretty hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad balances the meal with freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are always a fun, indulgent side as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the pasta bake straight from the casserole dish family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves to that melty, saucy comfort. You can also bake individual portions in ramekins for a cute, personalized touch that’s perfect for gatherings or meal prepping single servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Super Easy Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making it a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the pasta bake before the final bake step. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, just bake straight from frozen, adding extra baking time until warmed through and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese bubbles again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave also works well—cover loosely and heat in 1-minute increments to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great because of its shape and ridges, other sturdy pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or even macaroni would work wonderfully in this recipe.
Is this recipe very spicy due to the pepperoni?
The pepperoni adds a mild spice and savory depth, but it’s not overwhelming. If you prefer less spice, you can use a milder pepperoni or swap it out for cooked Italian sausage.
Can I make the dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the pepperoni and add in vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for that satisfying pizza flavor without the meat.
Do I have to broil the bake at the end?
The broil step is optional but highly recommended for that crispy finish on the pepperoni and cheese. If you skip it, the bake will still be delicious but with a softer top.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for meal planning or hosting when you want to save time.
Final Thoughts
This Super Easy Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe is just the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. I can’t recommend it enough for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll easily become one of your go-to recipes that everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Super Easy Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A delicious and comforting Super Easy Pizza Pasta Bake that combines penne pasta, marinara sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese baked to perfection. This hearty dish is perfect for a family dinner and brings together the best flavors of pizza in a convenient pasta bake form.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
- 3 cups (24 oz.) marinara sauce
- 10 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the rack in the top third of the oven to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook it for 2 minutes less than the package instructions to keep the pasta slightly firm. Drain the pasta once cooked and return it to the pot.
- Mix Sauce and Pepperoni: Stir in the marinara sauce and about one-third of the sliced pepperoni into the drained pasta, mixing well to evenly coat the pasta.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking or casserole dish and spread it into an even layer to ensure it cooks uniformly.
- Add Cheese and Remaining Pepperoni: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta, then top with the remaining pepperoni slices to prepare for baking.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the assembled dish uncovered for 20 minutes. After baking, broil for a few minutes to crisp the pepperoni and brown the cheese—keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Notes
- Use your favorite marinara sauce or homemade sauce for the best flavor.
- For a spicier version, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara before mixing with pasta.
- Feel free to substitute pepperoni with other toppings like cooked sausage or vegetables.
- Watch the broiling step carefully as it can burn quickly.
