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
Scale
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.
