Super Easy Pizza Pasta Bake

The Super Easy Pizza Pasta Bake is a comforting casserole made with uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, sliced pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella cheese. The pasta is boiled, mixed with the sauce and pepperoni, then layered in a baking dish and topped with more cheese and pepperoni before being baked until bubbly and golden. This dish is quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for family dinners.

Why You’ll Love It

This Pizza Pasta Bake combines two favorite comfort foods—pizza and pasta—into one dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s super easy to make, uses just a few simple ingredients, and is loved by both kids and adults. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite pizza toppings!

What You’ll Need

• Penne pasta – The base for the dish, holds the sauce well.
• Marinara sauce – Adds rich, tomatoey flavor.
• Pepperoni – For that classic pizza taste.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy topping.

Pro Tips

• Cook the pasta just shy of al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Use a variety of cheeses, like cheddar or Parmesan, to boost flavor.
• Broil the dish at the end for a crispy pepperoni and golden-brown cheese finish.

How to Make This Pizza Pasta Bake

1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 375°F and position the rack in the top third.
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta for 2 minutes less than instructed on the package.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked pasta with marinara and part of the pepperoni.
4. Assemble: Layer the mixture into a baking dish, top with mozzarella and remaining pepperoni.
5. Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, then broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly crisp.

Tools for This Recipe

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Skillet (if adding cooked toppings like sausage or vegetables)
• Cheese grater

Substitutions and Variations

• Protein: Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken.
• Vegetarian: Use mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives in place of meat.
• Cheese: Add or substitute with cheddar, Parmesan, or gouda for a twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check your marinara sauce for gluten-free certification.

What to Serve with This Pizza Pasta Bake

• Garlic bread: Perfect for sopping up the extra sauce.
• Green salad: A light, refreshing side to balance the richness.
• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or green beans make great pairings.

Leftovers and Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
• Freeze: You can freeze the baked pasta in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Super Easy Pizza Pasta Bake

Recipe by 50Krecipes

0.0 from 0 votes

The Super Easy Pizza Pasta Bake is a comforting casserole made with uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, sliced pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella cheese. The pasta is boiled, mixed with the sauce and pepperoni, then layered in a baking dish and topped with more cheese and pepperoni before being baked until bubbly and golden. This dish is quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for family dinners.

Course: MainCuisine: Italian, American

Servings

Adjust servings

+

–

6

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta

• 3 cups marinara sauce (24 oz.)

• 10 oz. sliced pepperoni

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven.
• Cook the Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
• Mix Pasta and Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and about one-third of the pepperoni slices, ensuring everything is well combined.
• Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top the dish with shredded mozzarella cheese and arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top.
• Bake: Bake the dish uncovered for 20 minutes. For a crispy finish, switch the oven to broil for a couple of minutes to crisp up the pepperoni and melt the cheese. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Notes

• The recipe calls for 3 cups of marinara sauce, equivalent to a 24-ounce jar. If you prefer a saucier dish, feel free to add an extra half cup to a cup of marinara from a second jar.
  Pepperoni package sizes vary, so you may need to buy more than one package to reach 10 ounces. A bit more or less won’t hurt the recipe.
  For more recipe variations, check out the blog post for creative ideas.