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Easy Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake for Weeknight Dinner

A generous serving of baked pizza pasta casserole topped with melted mozzarella and pepperoni slices on a white plate.
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You deserve a satisfying comfort food meal that comes together without much effort. This easy pizza pasta bake captures all your favorite pizza tastes in a cheesy, baked dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dry pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (or ground beef)
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, cut into small cubes (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Add the water and bring the sauce to a simmer.
  6. Stir in the cooked, drained pasta, pepperoni, and the cream cheese cubes (if using) until everything is coated.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  8. Top the mixture evenly with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
  10. Remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the top cheese is fully melted and lightly golden brown.
  11. Let the pizza pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before you serve it.

Notes

  • For a supreme flavor, add 1/2 cup of sliced black olives and 1/2 cup of chopped green bell peppers when you add the sauce in step 4.
  • You can substitute ground beef or ground turkey for the Italian sausage.
  • If you want a quicker meal, skip the baking step. Simply combine all ingredients (using less water, about 1/4 cup) in a large pot and simmer until the pasta is cooked through, then stir in the cheese.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenican.com/easy-pizza-pasta-bake-recipe/