This pizza pasta bake is a fun and delicious twist on classic pizza, combining your favorite pizza flavors with pasta for an easy, comforting dish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd!

Ingredients

1 pound uncooked penne pasta
3 cups (24 oz) marinara sauce (see note)
10 ounces sliced pepperoni
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta:

Preheat the oven to 375°F and place the rack in the top third of the oven.
Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Once the pasta is done, drain it and return it to the pot.

2. Mix the Ingredients:

Stir the marinara sauce and about 1/3 of the sliced pepperoni into the cooked pasta.

3. Transfer and Layer:

Transfer the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking or casserole dish and spread it evenly.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining pepperoni slices.

4. Bake:

Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Then, switch to broil for a few minutes to crisp up the pepperoni and cheese, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of pasta, marinara, cheese, and pepperoni is always a hit with both kids and adults.
Customizable: Adjust the toppings and ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Tips

Watch the Broil: Keep a close eye on the broiling step to avoid overcooking the cheese and pepperoni.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish in advance, cover, and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, bake it directly from the fridge, but add 5-10 extra minutes to the bake time.
Use a Large Baking Dish: Make sure your 9×13 dish is large enough for the pasta mixture to fit evenly.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Version: Skip the pepperoni and add your favorite pizza vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
Different Meats: Swap out the pepperoni for sausage, ham, or ground beef for a different take.
Cheese Swap: Try mixing in other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a variation on the flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-friendly.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini. Just make sure to cook it to the point where it’s still a bit firm, as it will cook further in the oven.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the bake in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day. Just keep in mind that it may need a few extra minutes of baking time when cooking from cold.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Let the pasta bake cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

Serving and Suggestions

Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Toppings: For extra flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes or fresh basil after baking.
Pairing: This dish pairs well with a light Italian red wine like Chianti or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.