This Pizza Pasta Bake is a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods: pizza and pasta. Bursting with flavor and loaded with your favorite toppings, this easy casserole combines al dente pasta with marinara sauce, melted cheese, and an assortment of toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, and olives. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe can be customized to suit any palate. It’s a hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal that’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight rotation.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or any desired meat)
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, black olives, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
This Pizza Pasta Bake is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to bring the flavors of your favorite pizza into a comforting pasta dish. Enjoy it with a side salad for a complete meal!
