There is nothing quite like a comforting, cheesy dish that brings the best of two beloved favorites together, and this Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe does just that. Imagine the rich flavors of Italian sausage, tangy marinara, savory pepperoni, and melty mozzarella all nestled with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s the ideal family-friendly dinner, bursting with vibrant veggies and irresistible toppings, sure to become your new go-to meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. Let me take you through making this satisfying, crowd-pleasing Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe step by step!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients each play a crucial part, whether it’s creating layers of flavor, adding texture, or bringing that classic pizza color palette to the dish. You’ll find assembling this recipe straightforward and rewarding.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon to gently sauté vegetables and build flavor.
- Diced onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic base to the dish.
- Sliced white mushrooms: Contributes earthiness and a tender bite.
- Green bell pepper: Offers a fresh, slightly crisp contrast.
- Sliced black olives: Brings a salty, briny punch that balances richness.
- Mild Italian sausage: Provides hearty protein and a mild spice to keep it family-friendly.
- Salt and pepper: To enhance all the natural flavors in your bake.
- Penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto sauce and toppings.
- Marinara sauce: Adds tangy tomato goodness that ties everything together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic gooey topping.
- Pepperoni: The iconic pizza addition that makes the dish unmistakably fun.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish to the bake.
- Cooking spray: Ensures your bake doesn’t stick and cleans up easily.
How to Make Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees to get it ready for baking. Next, fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cooking the penne pasta just right is key—it should be al dente according to package directions to hold up perfectly during baking.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add diced onion, sliced mushrooms, and diced green bell pepper. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Season lightly with salt and pepper to boost their natural flavors.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
Next, add the mild Italian sausage with casings removed. Use a spoon to break it up and cook it thoroughly until no longer pink, around 5 to 7 minutes. This adds a hearty and savory base to your pasta bake that everyone will love.
Step 4: Combine with Olives
Once the sausage is cooked, stir in the drained sliced black olives. These bring a subtle tang and salty brightness that complements the richness of meat and cheese wonderfully.
Step 5: Assemble the Pasta Bake
Drain your cooked penne then transfer it to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add the sausage and vegetable mixture along with the marinara sauce and toss gently to coat every pasta piece with that delicious sauce.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the pasta with mozzarella cheese, then arrange pepperoni slices evenly over the top for that classic pizza touch. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and just starting to brown, creating a bubbly, golden crust that’s impossible to resist.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Now your Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches like chopped parsley or even a few torn basil leaves can elevate your bake’s presentation and add a touch of herbal brightness to cut through the richness.
Side Dishes
Serve your Pizza Pasta Bake with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. The freshness of salad greens balances the heartiness of the pasta bake beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini casserole dishes. It’s perfect for a dinner party or to make each meal feel a little special at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pizza pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making for a delicious second meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully—prepare it, then freeze before baking or freeze the fully baked leftovers. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn, and it will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave portions for a quicker meal. Adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating can revive the melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for the Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works perfectly, you can also use rotini, rigatoni, or even ziti. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when baked.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and pepperoni, and add more veggies or plant-based protein alternatives like crumbled tofu or vegetarian sausage for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the pasta bake up to a day before baking—just cover and refrigerate it. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What kind of marinara sauce do you recommend?
A high-quality jarred marinara with a balance of garlic, herbs, and a bit of sweetness works best. Homemade marinara is even better if you have time! It brings vibrant, fresh tomato flavor that shines in this bake.
How can I add more spice to the Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage while cooking or swap mild Italian sausage for spicy Italian sausage. You can also scatter sliced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
Once you dive into this Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe, you’ll discover a fantastic way to bring the best of pizza and pasta together in a single, easy-to-make dish. It’s warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor—a perfect dish to share with loved ones or enjoy as a cozy solo meal. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for many occasions!
Print
Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A hearty and comforting Pizza Pasta Bake combining penne pasta with Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni, baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
- 1 small can sliced black olives, drained
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 ounces)
Toppings
- 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the pasta dish.
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the penne pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced mushrooms, and green bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pan with vegetables. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Olives: Stir the drained sliced black olives into the sausage and vegetable mixture to incorporate their flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place the cooked and drained penne pasta into the dish. Add the sausage and vegetable mixture along with the marinara sauce. Toss gently to evenly coat all the pasta.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Arrange pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and starts to turn golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute mild Italian sausage with spicy sausage for an extra kick.
- Use freshly grated mozzarella for best melting results.
- Adding chopped fresh basil or oregano along with parsley can enhance the flavor.
- To make ahead, assemble the dish without baking, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
