Introduction
There are few things more satisfying than a hearty, cheesy pasta bake, but the thought of juggling multiple pots often deters the weeknight chef. Enter the Easy Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake—a revolutionary one-pot wonder that combines the beloved flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza with the comforting texture of baked pasta. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup, originating from the need for fast, fuss-free family dinners. By cooking the pasta directly in the sauce, you infuse every single noodle with rich, savory flavor, making this dish special, simple, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 150 g (5 oz) sliced pepperoni or Italian sausage (pre-cooked)
- 300 g (10 oz) dried pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti recommended)
- 700 ml (24 oz) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 240 ml (1 cup) chicken or vegetable broth
- 120 ml (½ cup) water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 200 g (7 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 50 g (2 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Step-by-step Preparation
- Sauté Aromatics and Meat (5 minutes): Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Add the garlic and pepperoni/sausage and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Tip: Using an oven-safe pot means you won’t need to transfer the dish before baking.
- Build the Sauce Base (1 minute): Pour in the marinara sauce, broth, and water. Stir in the oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Pasta (15-20 minutes): Add the uncooked pasta to the boiling sauce mixture. Stir well, ensuring all pasta is submerged. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. Tip: If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a splash more water or broth.
- Prepare for Baking (2 minutes): Preheat your broiler to high or set your oven to 200°C (400°F). Once the pasta is cooked, stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese.
- Bake and Finish (3-10 minutes): Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Place the pot under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. If you prefer to bake, place the pot in the 200°C (400°F) oven for 8-10 minutes.
- Serve: Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Nutritional Information
This recipe yields approximately 6 generous servings. Each serving contains an estimated 450-500 calories, depending on the type of meat used. It is a high-carbohydrate and high-protein meal, offering significant energy and satiety. The use of tomatoes provides beneficial antioxidants, while the cheese contributes essential calcium. Due to the cheese and meat, this is a hearty comfort food and not suitable for low-fat diets.
Storage
Leftovers should be cooled completely and transferred to an airtight container. This pizza pasta bake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until hot, or cover the entire dish with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes until heated through. This dish also freezes well; store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake is the ultimate solution for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and a slice of garlic bread to complete the Italian-American experience. For a vegetarian variation, simply omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini during Step 1. The inherent versatility and guaranteed deliciousness of this one-pot recipe make it a permanent fixture in our rotation.